FDCPA Attorney - Get Paid Up to $1,000 for Debt Collector Harassment
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Signs You're Being Harassed
If any of these sound familiar, you may have a case worth thousands.
Illegal Contact Patterns
Calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM, calling repeatedly, or contacting your workplace.
False or Deceptive Practices
Lying about debt amounts, impersonating law enforcement, or threatening arrest.
Harassment
Using profane language, threatening violence, or publishing 'bad debt' lists.
Unfair Tactics
Collecting unauthorized fees, depositing post-dated checks early, or using postcards.
The Process
From harassment to compensation in three simple steps.
Free Review
We analyze your case at no cost
We File Suit
We take legal action against violators
You Get Paid
Receive compensation for violations
Debt collectors calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM? Threatening arrest? Contacting your workplace or family about your debt? These actions violate federal law.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you can sue debt collectors who break these rules and receive up to $1,000 per lawsuit, plus compensation for actual damages. Better yet: you pay nothing. The law requires debt collectors to pay your attorney fees when they violate your rights.
Hyslip Legal handles FDCPA cases nationwide from our Algonquin, Illinois office. Since this is federal law, we can represent you regardless of where you live. We typically send a representation letter within 24 hours of retention, legally stopping all direct contact with you.
Call for a free consultation: (614) 362-3322
What is the FDCPA?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a 1977 federal law that prohibits third-party debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices. It applies to collection agencies, debt buyers, and attorneys who regularly collect debts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, debt collection complaints remain one of the most common consumer complaints, with over 80,000 reports filed in recent years. The most frequent violations involve calls at improper times and misleading threats about legal action.
Important: Even if you owe the debt, collectors must follow the law. Violations give you the right to sue.
Common FDCPA Violations
Debt collectors often rely on fear and misinformation. The FDCPA strictly prohibits these common tactics:
Harrassment & Abuse
- Excessive Calls: Calling repeatedly, or before 8 AM / after 9 PM.
- Workplace Contact: Calling your employer especially after being told to stop.
- Third-Party Disclosure: Discussing your debt with neighbors, family, or coworkers.
- Threats & Profanity: Using obscene language or threatening violence.
False & Misleading Representations
- Legal Threats: Falsely threatening arrest, jail time, or wage garnishment without a court order.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be a police officer, government agent, or attorney.
- Zombie Debt: Trying to collect on debts that are past the statute of limitations or discharged in bankruptcy.
- Credit Reporting: Threatening to ruin your credit or failing to mark a disputed debt as "disputed."
Unfair Practices
- Unauthorized Fees: Adding "service fees" or "collection charges" not allowed by law.
- Post-Dated Checks: Depositing checks early or threatening to do so.
- Public Shaming: Sending postcards or publishing your name on a "bad debt" list.
We Handle All Types of Consumer Debt
The FDCPA applies to almost all personal, family, and household debts. We represent clients facing harassment for:
Medical Debt
Hospitals and billing agencies often violate privacy laws and the FDCPA when collecting old medical bills.
Student Loans
Private student loan collectors are notorious for aggressive tactics. We stop the harassment.
Credit Card Debt
The most common source of FDCPA violations. Don't let banks or debt buyers bully you.
Auto Loans & Repossessions
Illegal threats of repossession or collecting on deficiencies after a sale are actionable violations.
Don't Let Them Get Away With It
Every violation counts. You could be owed $1,000 just for the harassment, plus more for your emotional distress.
Your Legal Rights
- Request Validation: Collectors must provide written proof you owe the debt within 5 days of first contact, including the amount, creditor name, and your dispute rights.
- Dispute the Debt: If you dispute in writing within 30 days, collection must stop until they verify the debt.
- Stop Contact: Send a written cease and desist letter. Collectors must stop contacting you (though they can notify you of specific legal actions).
- Sue for Violations: You can file a federal lawsuit and recover damages plus attorney fees - paid by the collector, not you.
How Hyslip Legal Helps (At No Cost to You)
1. Free Case Review
We'll evaluate your situation at no charge. We need to know: who contacted you, when and how often, what they said, and whether they contacted others about your debt.
2. Investigation
We gather evidence, subpoena call recordings, review written communications, and document violations.
3. Filing & Litigation
If violations occurred, we file a federal lawsuit. You pay nothing - no consultation fee, retainer, hourly fees, or costs if we lose.
4. Recovery
We pursue statutory damages (up to $1,000), actual damages, and attorney fees. When we win, you receive your compensation. The collector pays our fees separately.
Why This Costs You Nothing:
The FDCPA requires debt collectors to pay the consumer's attorney fees when they violate the law. This is built into the statute (15 U.S.C. § 1692k) to ensure consumers can access legal representation regardless of their financial situation. At Hyslip Legal, we handle all FDCPA cases on this basis - you never receive a bill.
Compensation
| Statutory Damages | Up to $1,000 per lawsuit regardless of actual harm |
| Actual Damages | Unlimited compensation for documented harm (emotional distress, therapy costs, lost wages, etc.) |
| Attorney Fees | Paid by the debt collector, not deducted from your award |
Nationwide Representation from Algonquin, Illinois
While Hyslip Legal is based in Algonquin, Illinois, we represent clients in all 50 states via federal court. The FDCPA is federal law, enforced in federal courts nationwide, which means your location doesn't limit our ability to represent you.
Most FDCPA cases are handled remotely through phone, email, and video calls - you don't need to travel to our Illinois office. Whether you're in California, Texas, Florida, New York, or anywhere else in the United States, we can help.
Related Articles & Case Results
Learn more about your rights and see how we've helped others fight back against debt collectors:
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Bundy v. Revco Solutions
See how we held a major collection agency accountable for systemic harassment.
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The "Dispute Trap"
Why using a specialized web portals to dispute debt can actually hurt your case (and what to do instead).
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Avoid Credit Repair Scams
Don't pay upfront fees to fix your credit. Learn how to do it legally and for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I owe the debt?
Yes. Your legitimate debt doesn't give collectors permission to break federal law.
How long do I have?
One year from the violation date. Act quickly.
Will this affect my credit?
No. FDCPA lawsuits don't appear on credit reports.
Does winning eliminate the debt?
No. You may still owe the underlying debt, but violations give you leverage for negotiation.
What if they stopped calling?
You can still sue for past violations.
What evidence do I need?
Phone records, written communications, and notes about what was said. We can subpoena the collector's call recordings.
Can I record calls?
Depends on your state's recording laws, but collectors are required to record calls themselves.
How long does a case take?
Typically 3-12 months. Many settle quickly once collectors realize they broke the law.
Stop the Harassment Today
We'll evaluate your case, identify violations, and explain your options - at no cost and with no obligation.
Reach Out Today for a FREE Consultation
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(614) 362-3322Stop the Harassment
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