At the San Fernando Valley Law Offices of The Leventhal Law Group, I provide personal attention in matters related to debt collectors and debt collection agencies who violate the FDCPA and the Rosenthal Act. I serve clients throughout Los Angeles and Ventura. Including, Woodland Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Northridge, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena.

The Leventhal Law Group

A Professional Corporation

21550 Oxnard Street

3rd Floor

Warner Center Towers

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Phone: 818-347-5800

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• Unfair Debt Collection

• FDCPA Claims

• Harassment

• Threats

• Was Your Debt Sold?

• Debts You Don’t Owe

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California Law Protects Consumers Against Illegal Debt Collector Practices

Los Angeles, CA Attorney Helping People Get Compensation After Being Harassed

Consumer credit is important. It helps both individuals and business with financial matters and allows transactions to take place efficiently. But in our current economic climate, contractual obligations may not be easy to met, especially when our moral obligations must be put first, like providing food and shelter for those we love. This is especially true with the decline in the southern California job and housing market. The result is that many people have found themselves owing money or behind in payments to creditors and must deal with companies trying to collect payment.

California Consumers Have Rights When Dealing with Debt Collectors

Although creditors have a right to try to collect money owed to them, debt collectors must treat people fairly and respectfully. Additionally, the law provides consumer them certain rights when dealing with creditors. These include:

The right to cut off contact by a debt collection agency by using written correspondence
The right to specify times and places where/when debt collection calls/activities cannot take place
The right to dispute a debt in writing
The right to require a debt collection agency to verify the debt owed
The right to appoint an attorney for legal representation

When debt collectors interact with you, they must follow debt collection rules in how you and the information about your debt is handled. Examples of methods not allowed include:

Harassing you with repeated phone calls, voice messages, and hang ups
Refusing to disclose or misrepresenting their identity and actual reason for calling you
Use of profanity or abusive language, including vulgarities or racial slurs
Threats and false accusations against you or your family
Contacting or attempting to contact you after you have filed for bankruptcy protection
Disclosing information about your debt to friends, neighbors, relatives, or unauthorized parties

Federal Statues and State Statutes: FDCPA and The Rosenthal Act

California legislators passed laws that protect consumer in additional ways beyond the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (often called the Rosenthal Act), mainly differs from the FDCPA in how certain rules are applied to original creditors compared to rules that may only apply to third party collection agencies (including a company that bought your debt). In general, original creditors are not covered by the federal statute. The result is that California law allows broader coverage for consumers in actions against unfair debt collection practices than federal law.

Consumers Affected by Improper Debt Collection Practices Can Take Action?

Consumers may receive up to $1000 from companies that practice illegal debt collection methods. The law also states that when a consumer’s legal action is successfully tried in court, all attorney fees are paid by the debt collector. Many cases against debt collectors have resulting in large settlements.

Get a Free Consultation with a Lawyer. No Recovery, No Fee

If you think debt collectors have broken the rules, speak with a lawyer to discuss the how you can get get compensation. I help victims of illegal and unfair debt collection actions on contingency - meaning no up front fees and you only pay me if I win your case and money for you. Set up a meeting by phone or in my Los Angeles area office. Email or call 818-347-5800.