The Intimidation Factor: How are Debt Collectors Scaring You into Paying?

In the world of business, human emotion plays a vital role in generating income and keeping a company running. While in many cases these emotions include joy, surprise, and even greed, debt collection agencies prey on one specific emotion: fear.


When acting appropriately, a collector will not intimidate or harass the debtor. However, some use illegal tactics and attempt to scare debtors into paying.  In fact, if the intimidation and fear is bad enough, a collector may get a consumer to pay for something they don’t actually owe.

Scare Tactics

Even the most stalwart person can be cajoled into paying a debt when he or she is caught off guard and overwhelmed by bullying tactics. As such, it is vital to be aware of these tactics and to know that they are illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) so that you are prepared for such actions.

• The Element of Surprise: Collectors may not slowly ramp up to scare tactics; they will use them from the beginning at full force to catch consumers off guard. Additionally, they may initially identify themselves as someone else to get in touch with you, only to reveal themselves later and begin their tactics.
• Threats of Legal Action: A commonly used illegal tactic, collectors may tell a consumer that he or she will be arrested if they do not pay or will be sued. Since there is no debtors’ prison in the United States, this is false. Additionally, many lawsuits are never filed.
• Foul Language: Debt collectors have been known to use profanity when making threats against a consumer. This can be another way to intimidate a debtor, as foul language can make threats seem more intimidating.
• Threats of Violence: Collectors have been recorded threatening violence against a debtor and his or her loved ones. While collectors are often far away, this does not make this tactic any less frightening or offensive
• Non-Stop Contact: As a way of breaking down a debtor, a collector may call him or her at all hours of the day and night and leave messages when the phone is not answered. Additionally, they may obtain cell phone and work numbers to call at many different locations.
• Informing Others of Debt: Collectors may contact and tell others including family, friends, and co-workers the exact details of a consumer’s debt, or threaten to do so. This is often a tactic used to try and shame a person into paying.

 

Legal Protection against Debt Collectors

For San Bernardino County fair debt collection lawyer Howard D. Silver, protecting consumers from illegal debt collection practices is a top priority. By applying his experience and legal insight to each case, clients are able to put an end to unfair debt collection practices and find peace in their lives. To learn more about your rights as a consumer, call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver at (866) 495-3666.