Vermont Fair Debt Collection Law
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Sections 2451a to 2461 deal with debt collection agencies. The prohibited practices in many ways mirror the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For example, the law says that:
- A debt collector can't threaten violence or other criminal acts
- A debt collector can't use profane or obscene language
- A debt collection agency can't contact you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., or call you at work unless you've given your permission
- A debt collector can't call your employer or other third parties (except your spouse or, if you're a minor, your parents) and tell them about your debt
- A debt collection agency can't threaten to take your property or wages without a court order
- A debt collection agency can't impersonate a state or federal agency, or sent a document that leads you to believe it's from the government
- A debt collector can't contact you directly once you have an attorney
- A debt collection agency can't tack on additional fees and charges unless they're allowed by law
- A debt collector can't contact you once you've sent a cease and desist letter
- A debt collection agency can't contact you if, within 30 days of first being contacted, you dispute the debt in writing
Vermont law allows individual consumers to sue debt collection agencies. A successful lawsuit filed in the state can result in an award of actual damages, statutory damages, and three times exemplary damages. 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 Vermont 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 Vermont Attorney General. Often, attorneys general use consumer complaints as the basis for filing lawsuits against debt collection agencies. Filing a complaint is a way of making your voice heard, and of helping to put a stop to unethical debt collection practices.
Here's the contact information to call or send a written complaint to the Vermont Attorney General:
Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Assistance Program
Morrill Hall - UVM
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-0862 or 800-649-2424
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.
