Understanding When Collection Becomes Illegal
Being in debt doesn’t mean giving up your right to fair treatment. Every day, people across Los Angeles are contacted by collectors who push the limits of what’s legal. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was created to prevent exactly that—abuse, harassment, and dishonesty in the debt collection process. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we help clients enforce those rights when collectors cross the line.
When the calls won’t stop or the threats feel personal, it’s not just stressful—it may be unlawful.
What Debt Collectors Are Not Allowed To Do
Collectors often act as though they can say or do whatever it takes to collect money. That’s false. Under the FDCPA, they cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., contact your job if you’ve told them not to, threaten arrest, or use profanity. They also cannot lie about what you owe or pretend to be someone they’re not.
These aren’t just bad practices—they’re violations of federal law. And they happen far more often than most people realize.
What You Can Do About It
You have the right to request that a collector stop contacting you. You also have the right to dispute a debt you believe is inaccurate. If those rights are ignored or your situation escalates, it’s time to consider legal action. Martin & Bontrager, APC assists Los Angeles clients in holding collectors accountable for harassment, misrepresentation, and illegal conduct under the FDCPA.
We focus on stopping the abusive behavior, recovering financial damages where appropriate, and making sure you’re not left dealing with collectors who think the law doesn’t apply to them.
Standing Up to Collection Abuse in Los Angeles
Every phone call, every letter, and every threat adds stress to your daily life—and you don’t have to accept it. Whether the debt is real or mistaken, you still have legal protections. Our firm takes your experience seriously and builds a case aimed at putting a stop to it.
If a collector has made your life more difficult than it needs to be, working with an FDCPA attorney in Los Angeles may be your next step forward. Martin & Bontrager, APC is ready to stand with you and demand accountability.
