Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
late credit card payment-threat
I am going on 3 months late on my credit card payment. I have had this card about 3 years with no prior late payments because I get it directly withdrawn. However, i was unable to pay when I promised and the creditor had my job page me emergently while I was out of the office. He told me that if I didn't pay today that he was going to have the sheriff ''serve me papers'' I took this as a threat, is this true. I have never heard of this behavior for a few months past due! I think he was trying to scare me.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: late credit card payment-threat
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It does sound as if a collector overstepped his bounds. Collectors are not allowed to make unwarranted threats or any of many other prohibited practices under the United States Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. A good summary of allowable and prohibited procedures can be found on wiki at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Debt_Collection_Practices_Act
If a collector violates the act, they may be liable for damages up to $1,000.00 for each violation.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.