FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What should I do if a debt collector keeps calling me repeatedly?
Repeated calls from a debt collector may violate federal law if the calls are intended to harass or intimidate you. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collectors cannot use abusive tactics or repeatedly contact you in a way that causes harassment. If a collector continues calling excessively, keeps contacting you after you dispute the debt, or uses threatening language, you may have legal options. Document the calls, keep copies of letters, and consider speaking with a consumer rights attorney about your situation.
02 What should I do if I’m sued by a debt collector?
If you’ve been served with a debt collection lawsuit, do not ignore it. Failing to respond can result in a default judgment against you, which may allow wage garnishment or bank levies. Contact an attorney immediately — there are defenses that may drastically change the outcome.
03 Can I sue a debt collector for harassment?
Yes. If a collector’s conduct violates federal or state law, you may be entitled to damages, including statutory damages and attorney’s fees. Many consumer protection cases require the collector to pay your legal costs, meaning you may owe little to nothing upfront.
04 How do I dispute inaccurate information on my credit report?
You can file disputes with credit reporting agencies directly, but if errors persist or cause harm, you may have claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). We can help identify errors and pursue legal remedies when reporting agencies or furnishers refuse to correct them.
05 What should I do if I become a victim of credit identity theft?
If someone opens credit accounts using your personal information, it is important to act quickly. Review your credit reports, report the fraud to the credit reporting agencies, and dispute any accounts you did not open. Identity theft victims may also place fraud alerts or credit freezes on their reports. If fraudulent accounts remain on your credit report after disputes, legal assistance may be necessary.
06 Will going to court hurt my chances of settling?
Not necessarily. In many cases, pursuing litigation or asserting legal rights strengthens your negotiating position. Collectors often offer better settlements once they recognize there are legal risks in continuing unlawful practices.
07 What are credit reporting errors?
Credit reporting errors include any inaccurate or misleading information on a credit report. Common examples include accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect balances, duplicate accounts, or debts connected to identity theft. These errors can lower credit scores and create difficulties when applying for loans or housing.
08 What rights do tenants have in disputes with landlords?
Tenants have legal rights related to housing conditions, lease enforcement, security deposits, and eviction procedures. Landlords must follow California laws when dealing with tenants and cannot take certain actions without following proper legal steps. If a landlord violates those requirements, tenants may have the right to challenge the conduct.
09 What types of employment cases does Bontrager Law handle?
Bontrager Law represents employees in disputes involving wrongful termination and wage violations. Employees may have claims if they were terminated for unlawful reasons, denied proper wages, or treated unfairly in violation of employment laws.
10 When should I speak with a consumer rights attorney?
If you are dealing with persistent debt collection calls, inaccurate credit reporting, identity theft, unlawful repossession, employment violations, or tenant disputes, it may be helpful to speak with an attorney. Legal guidance can help you understand your rights and determine whether the law provides remedies for the situation.
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At Bontrager Law, we represent individuals who have been wronged by unfair debt collection, inaccurate credit reporting, identity theft, auto repossession errors, and other consumer harms. Your rights are protected under federal and state law — and we’re here to enforce them.
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