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Law Office of Michael P. Forbes, PC Law Office of Michael P. Forbes, PC
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

FDCPA Attorney in Pennsylvania

Protecting Your Rights to Fair Debt Collection Practices in Philadelphia

The law says that debt collectors must treat you with truth, fairness, dignity and respect. Any debt collector who doesn't work within these very clear guidelines can be sued in federal court for damages under this law.

The FDCPA does not cover the original creditor (for example, the credit card company to whom you owe) but does apply to anyone who regularly collects debts on behalf their clients, including:

For the law to apply, the following elements must be present:

  • You are a consumer.
  • The debt is a consumer debt, meaning that it was incurred for personal or household purposes.
  • The collector is a debt collector. A "debt collector" is a person hired by the original creditor specifically to collect a debt. They can also be debt buyers, which are companies that purchase a debt that has been in default to try and collect it.

There are several important steps you can take to help your case, including:

  • Saving all phone messages and voice mail
  • Making notes of your conversations with the bill collector
  • And contact my office to speak with a Philadelphia debt collection defense attorney about your case

My name is Michael Forbes and I am a highly experienced debt collection defense attorney that can provide competent legal advice regarding your case.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in harassing or abusive behavior when collecting a debt, including:

  • Using foul or abusive language
  • Making repeated phone calls
  • Continuing to call after receiving a written notice to stop the calls
  • Calling before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
  • Contacting someone at their job after being told not to
  • Contacting someone directly that is represented by an attorney

The FDCPA provides an attorney without any cost. If I take your case and successfully litigate, lawyer fees are paid for by the defendant debt collector, including litigation costs and expenses. You can be awarded $1,000.00 for statutory damages if you have no actual damages. When there are actual damages, which means that you have been harmed by the harassing debt collector, you will earn further compensation from the court.

If you have had to endure any abusive collection practices, you may be entitled to compensation. Call me immediately to fight back and turn the tables on these collection bullies. Not only may you be entitled to collect money from the debt collectors, they may also be required to pay for my fees.

I do not charge for a consultation for debt collection abuse and harassment cases. We can strategize and review your options. If we decide that you have a case and wish to pursue it, I will represent you in filing a lawsuit against the abusive debt collector. If we are successful, the abusive debt collector becomes responsible for my fees.

Contact Philadelphia FDCPA Lawyer Michael Forbes to find out about your rights regarding debt collection and how to stop collector abuse. If you are being harassed or abused by a debt collector from one of the following agencies, please call me right away so I can help you stop the abuse once and for all!

Our Valued Clients Share Their Stories

    Focused on the best outcomes for my family and our business!
    “I want to thank Michael for his advice on several business and personal matters. I appreciate his intimate knowledge with the law and real-life workings of the legal system, his patience explaining best options, and his desire to achieve practical goals.”
    - TH
    I trust Michael and as a result I highly recommend him.
    “He delivers results, and he also clearly cares about the people he represents.”
    - Heather C.
    If you need a great legal point man, Michael Forbes is the best!
    “He Got Me Out of a Financial Mess”
    - Jerry Timlin

Why We're the Right Choice

  • Committed
    My firm is proud to deliver high-quality legal representation and compassionate counsel during this difficult time.
  • Proactive

    My goal is to reach as many people as possible to let them know that they do have the option to keep their home and protect their credit.

  • Knowledgeable

    Over 35 years of experience and the qualifications to fight for you and your rights.

  • Power

    We’ll Fight for You! Don’t Let the Bank Take Your Home.