Dealing with Debt

questions & answers

Question: I just received a bill for wastewater services for 15 years in the amount of $5000. This is the first bill I have ever received. They sent a letter that they have waived late fees and penalties. What should I do?

Answer: It is important you know your rights as a consumer. You and the Law: Fair Debt Collection By Southern Arizona legal Aid, Inc. Debt collectors cannot treat you unfairly because you owe an unpaid debt. In 1978, the U.S. Congress enacted the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to stop abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices. This Act applies to "consumer debts". This means personal and household debts and does not apply to business debts. Also, the Act applies only to "debt collectors" and not to "creditors". The "creditor" is the person or entity to whom the money is owed. The "debt collector" is someone other than the creditor who attempts to collect the debt for the creditor. http://www.azlawhelp.org/users/secure/answerQA.cfm?id=28004