How do I get people to stop harrassing me for money that I do not owe?
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How do I get people to stop harrassing me for money that I do not owe?
Approximately 2 years ago I rented a car at an airport in France. The agent refused to check the car prior to my driving off the lot as it was too dark to see; there was no lighting in the lot. She told me to call the office in the morning and let them know if the car had damages; apparently it did. The hotel front desk clerk make the call and I spoke to an agent but they say there is no record of the call. I am now getting calls and mail from a debt collector telling me that if I don’t pay the account will be turned over to an attorney. I did not take out insurance coverage.
Asked on August 7, 2011 California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
California has a laws against unfair debt collection practices. Additionally, there are federal laws on the subject as well. Both laws prohibit conduct by third party debt collection agencies that are harassing, deceptive or misleading. Threats that the "account" where you allegedly owe money will be turned over to an attorney by the third party debt collector could very well be an unfair debt collection practice.
Since you are receiving telephone calls and mail from a third part debt collector over alleged damage to a rented car you had several years ago, you want this conduct to cease, you should consult with an attorney familiar with California's unfair debt collection practices law as well as the federal law on the subject.
Good luck.
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