Defending Against Aggressive Debt Collectors In Ohio

For many Ohio residents, financial struggles can lead to late payments, mounting bills, and calls from debt collectors. While debt collectors have the right to pursue legitimate debts, there are established legal limits on how they conduct themselves. When debt collectors cross the line into harassment, intimidation, or deception, consumers have a powerful tool to fight back. At Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC, we help Ohio residents protect themselves from aggressive collection tactics and enforce their rights under federal and state law.

What does FDCPA protect against? 

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that prohibits debt collectors from using abusive or deceptive practices to recover a debt. Some common violations of the FDCPA include:

• Harassment – Repeated phone calls that are intended to annoy, threats of violence, or using profane language.

• False or misleading statements – Debt collectors can’t lie to you. They can’t claim you owe more than you do. They can’t pretend to be an attorney. And they can’t misrepresent the consequences of nonpayment.

• Unlawful communication – Debt collectors can’t call at inconvenient times (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.) They can’t contact you at work when they know your employer would disapprove. They can’t speak to third parties about your debt.

• Unfair practices – They can’t add unauthorized fees, threaten arrest, or attempt to collect a debt that is not legally owed.

When a debt collector crosses these lines, they may be violating your rights under the FDCPA.

Ohio state law on debt collection practices 

Besides federal law, Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act (CPSA) provides additional protection to debtors. The CSPA prohibits unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable conduct in consumer transactions. This includes debt collection. As a result, Ohio consumers may have both state and federal remedies when they face unlawful conduct by a debt collector.

What you can do to protect yourself 

Those dealing with aggressive debt collectors should consider the following steps:

• Document everything – You should keep detailed records of all calls, letters, voicemails, and messages. The documentation can become important evidence in your case.

• Know your rights – You don’t have to put up with creditor harassment. You have the right to request debt validation and demand that collectors stop certain communications.

• Seek legal assistance early – Many consumers wait until the debt collector’s conduct escalates. Speaking with an attorney early can prevent the harassment from spiraling out of control.

• File a claim if necessary – If a debt collector breaks the law, you may be entitled to damages up to $1,000 under the FDCPA, plus compensation for any actual harm caused and attorney’s fees.

Contact a Columbus, OH, FDCPA Lawyer Today

Kohl & Cook Law Firm, LLC, represents the interests of Columbus residents who are being harassed by debt collectors. Call our Columbus FDCPA lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.