Wisconsin Fair Debt Collection Law
Wisconsin Statutes Annotated Sections 218.04 and 427.101 to 427.105 deal with debt collection agencies. The law prohibits practices that in many ways mirror the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For example, the law says that:
- A debt collector can't use or threaten force or criminal prosecution
- A debt collection agency can't disclose false information to credit bureaus
- A debt collector can't threaten to contact your employer or other third parties
- A debt collection agency can't report a disputed debt unless it also reports the dispute
- A debt collector can't call you so often or at times that would be considered harassment
- A debt collector can't use profanity
- A debt collection agency can't mislead you into believing that they are from or that their communication is from a governmental agency or attorney
Wisconsin law allows individual consumers to sue debt collection agencies. A successful lawsuit filed in the state can result in an award of actual damages, including damages for emotional distress, the return of property used as collateral, and other penalties. This is in addition to being able to sue a debt collection agency for violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
With the help of a fair debt attorney, you can often reach a settlement with a debt collection agency that either puts money in your pocket or erases part or all of that debt. Complete the form to the right, and the legal team at StopCollector.com will provide you with a free case evaluation. If the debt collector has violated Wisconsin state law and the FDCPA, we'll take your case absolutely free.
File a Complaint
If you've been the victim of illegal fair debt or fair credit practices, you should file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Filing a complaint is a way of making your voice heard, and of helping to put a stop to unethical debt collection practices.
You can file an online complaint or download a complaint form from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions by clicking here.
Here's the contact information to call or send a written complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions:
State of Wisconsin
Department of Financial Institutions
Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 8041
Madison, WI 53708-8041
608-264-7969 or 800-452-3328
You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It looks at patterns of consumer complaints and holds shady debt collection agencies accountable by suing them and fining them. It’s also required to provide Congress with an annual report about debt collection and credit reporting practices that includes the number of consumer complaints filed. You can file a complaint with the FTC by clicking here.
If you have been the victim of harassment or illegal or unfair debt collection practices, contact the Fair Debt Attorneys at Lemberg & Associates immediately to discuss your options and protect your rights. When you owe creditors money, you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as other federal and state laws. If a debt collector has violated your rights, you may be entitled to up to $1000 in damages, and they may even have to pay your attorney fees. Sergei Lemberg, and the attorneys at Lemberg & Associates have helped countless people to assert their legal rights with debt collectors. Don't be intimidated by illegal debt collection practices. For more information, contact
Lemberg & Associates
today at .
