Considerable debt can be stressful enough for Tennessee consumers without the added reminder from collection calls. It is true that debt collectors have the ability to take certain actions against debtors, but it is also true that they may not harass or illegally intimidate those with mounting debt. If a person dealing with a difficult financial situation finds themselves on the receiving end of harassing phone calls, they may be able to take legal action.
Millions of consumers associated with Bank of America were considered to be doing just that when several class-action lawsuits were on the horizon for the company. According to reports, the company had set up automatic call systems that would dial the cell phones of in-debt consumers. These systems were considered to be in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act set in place in 1991.
Bank of America faced allegations of harassment due to the phone calls, and while the charges have been deemed a falsehood by representatives, the company has agreed to come to a settlement. At this time the company may be required to pay $32 million in order to settle the case. Though the company maintains its innocence in the matter, a spokeswoman stated that they came to an agreement in hopes of avoiding the accumulation of more legal fees.
Though harassment is illegal, constant phone calls from debt collectors occur and may cause those with mounting debt to feel trapped in their situation. Fortunately for many, there are routes they may be able to take in order to manage their debt and avoid collection calls or other actions. Consumers may wish to gather information on Tennessee laws regarding bankruptcy in order to determine if that course could be a beneficial option.
Source: Reuters, Bank of America in record settlement over ‘robocall’ complaints, Dena Aubin, Sept. 30, 2013