Type In Legal Washington Fair Debt Collections Forms For Free

To take legal action to collect a debt, the creditor (the person or company owed money) files a lawsuit against the debtor (the person who owes the money). Once a debt collection lawsuit is filed with the court, the creditor must give the debtor notice of the lawsuit (service).

Harassment of the debtor by the creditor ? More than 40 percent of all reported FDCPA violations involved incessant phone calls in an attempt to harass the debtor.

Washington law requires debt collectors to get a license from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and post a bond before attempting to collect debts. They must renew their licenses yearly. Out-of-state debt collectors also have to get a license before attempting to collect from Washington residents.

A debt collector may not communicate with a consumer at any unusual time (generally before a.m. or after p.m. in the consumer's time zone) or at any place that is inconvenient to the consumer, unless the consumer or a court of competent jurisdiction has given permission for such contacts.

Summary: The Fair Debt Buying Practices Act would establish clear procedures, minimum documentation requirements, and affirmative obligations before a debt buyer can contact a debtor, initiate a lawsuit, or obtain and collect on a judgment.

Don't provide personal or sensitive financial information Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information ? such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number ? unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.