FTC: Debt Collection Aggression

West Asset Management has agreed to pay $2.8 million to settle FTC charges that its aggressive debt collection techniques violated federal law. That's the biggest civil penalty the FTC has ever gotten in a debt collection case. The FTC alleged that the company's debt collectors called people many times a day — often regarding accounts that didn't belong to them — and sometimes used rude and abusive language; illegally disclosed debts to third parties; and ignored people's written requests to stop calling. The settlement permanently prohibits West Asset from using false, deceptive, or unfair debt collection tactics. 

We have stated in previous posts that debt collectors sometimes use unfair practices. Know your rights as a consumer. If you are being harassed by debt collectors make sure you document and report. The above article excerpt proves that there are consequences for debt collectors that use false, deceptive, or unfair practices to collect debt.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission

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