Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington
creditor threatened to repossess my vehicle
I just recvd a call about a retail credit account we held that has been charged off and referred to a company for recovery. The man said we were going to be sued for $4K but had not filed the paperwork in my county yet and that I could settle the debt today for $2998.00. If I did not they would impound our vehicles (both Liens still held by banks they were financed through) until the debt was paid. I said I can pay in full in two weeks - he told me I had until 1pm today... is this legal?? Can they take our cars? Help please!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: creditor threatened to repossess my vehicle
No, it is not legal.
While this is fresh in your mind, please report this conversation to the consumer protection division of the Attorney General's office. You can make the report on line.
Threatening to do something a collector cannot do is a violation of the federal fair credit collection practices act and exposes the collection agency to liability for $1,000.00 damages for each time they pull a stunt like this.
He can only terrify you if you let him; call the AG and make that report, OK?
If the debt has been charged off, the collector bought the debt for pennies on the dollar. Now, he's essentially attempting extortion to get you to give him money.
Hope this helps. For every other person this guy attempts to shake down today, PLEASE make a report while it is fresh in your mind.
And if he leaves messages, save them and transcribe them for the AG, too.
Elizabeth Powell
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