Medical debts are covered by the FDCPA, too

Although we spend a lot of time on debt collection and credit cards, more consumers are experiencing problems with medical debt than anything else. In fact, some consumers’ credit card debt may be linked to medical bills, as well. The fact that so many Americans cannot afford healthcare is a political problem, but debt collectors who turn abusive while collecting medical debts may be violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

If you are getting calls, letters, or other communications from a debt collector, whether for a medical debt, a credit card, a car loan, or any other debt, you should take careful notes (PDF link) of the communications, record the phone calls, if you can, and, if the communications turn abusive, get in touch with a consumer rights lawyer in your state as soon as possible.

[photo: freerangestock]