Beware of Dirty Debt Collection Practices
Getting the Money at All Costs Causes Some Debt Collectors to Break the Law
Thomas did not know it is illegal for debt collectors to tell anyone -- including neighbors -- about someone's debt.
In a voice mail, the debt collector said that she should call back by 5:00 p.m. or they would call "the detectives."
"I panicked," Thomas said. "I started crying. I didn't know what to do."
Terrified, Thomas searched the Internet for a lawyer and found Jerry Jarzombek.
At Jarzombek's request, Thomas started recording the calls. In one, the debt collector said Thomas had broken the law and that they could take her to court.
"Right now, we have the ability to file charges against you with the evidence that we have," the collector said. "You did, you did break the law, whether you admit it or not."
"It's one of the worst I've seen," Jarzombek told "Good Morning America." "You cannot be arrested for non-payment of a consumer debt."
It is also illegal for collectors to threaten jail time.
"They are trained to manipulate you into being scared," she said, "so afraid that you'll do anything. It was all a lie. It was all just to scare me. Intimidate me."
According to the ACA International, the association that represents debt collectors, good collectors denounce unethical practices and treat consumers with dignity and respect while educating them about their rights and responsibilities.
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