Credit cards can be very useful if used correctly. However, if they are not, they can get you into a world of trouble. On average, an US household holds about $16,000 in credit card debt. Due to the economy, more and more debt collectors have been retained by these credit card companies to collect on the debts. This has lead to abuse and aggressive tactics which have, in turn, increased the amount of debt collection harassment complaints.

When filing a lawsuit it is important that it be filed in the proper court. This pertains to any type of action, where it be a personal injury case, criminal matter, or even probating a will. Actions under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) are not any different. Proper venue is clearly stated under 15 U.S.C. Section 1692i(a). This section states:

It is common for debt collectors to call the wrong person. This occurs often when you have the same name as a debtor or you have recently changed your phone number to a number that a debtor previously had. Sometimes the number’s previous owner did not give the debt collectors their new contact information. They may have even changed their phone number in order to avoid calls from debt collectors. However, you should not be harassed by debt collectors for a debt that is not yours.

In order to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and harassing debt collection practices the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) was enacted. Its purpose was to eliminate abusive debt collection practices that debt collectors engage in and protect consumers.