The largest verdict of its kind was awarded to Texas resident, Allen Jones after he received a series of racist and vulgar voicemail messages from Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACT) in August of 2007. Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACT), a Pennsylvania debt collection agency began making these calls as early as 6:30 a.m. and would continue till 11:00 p.m. More egregious was the amount in question, which was a mere $200 that Jones had already paid in full. Eight messages were cited in the case and when brought to court the jury sided with Jones, awarding him $1.5 million in punitive damages, $143,000 in attorney’s fees, and $50,000 in mental anguish.
There are several rules and regulations when it comes to collecting debt: no calls before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. unless agreed, no false claims, no harassment, and no unfair practices. This verdict should come as a warning to debt collection agencies that are practicing corrupt collection practices. There are strict laws against this that protect the people.
To read more on the Allen Jones story go to :
http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/vulgar-voice-mails-cost-debt-collection-agency-15-million/19500256
For more information on your rights as a consumer, visit:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm
If you have any questions on the topic of bankruptcy or feel you have been a victim of corrupt collection practices please contact me, Bankruptcy Attorney Timothy Kingcade at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. Web site at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
-Timothy Kingcade
