Dellutri Law Group - April 2019

Don’t Let the Debt Collectors Shake You Down

Know Your Rights

I’ve discussed fraudulent, abusive, and illegal debt collection tactics before, but this one takes the cake. Three men posing as lawyers coerced a multitude of people into paying “phantom debts” — debts that they did not actually owe. The men acted as “Alliance Law Group” and successfully collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people. The Federal Trade Commission ruled this week that the three will no longer be allowed to operate in the debt collection industry. In addition, the defendants have been ordered to surrender valuable assets. How does something like this happen? Unfortunately, it’s a simple tactic that works if you are unaware of your rights.

3. Contact the company or person the debt is allegedly attached to and inquire.

4. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Bar Association if you have no debt.

5. Do not, under any circumstances, give credit card information over the phone.

Lastly, contact a consumer protection attorney to see what can be done. In Florida, we have a state statute that protects individual consumer debtors from this type of harassment. A legitimate debt collection law firm will send you a letter with detailed information about any kind of debt you may owe. Further, making sure you are on top of your debts will prevent an incident of this kind from ever happening to you.

THE SHAKEDOWN

Most people become very intimidated when contacted by a lawyer — so intimidated that they do not question a person’s actual credentials. Knowing this, the criminals mentioned above threatened people with jail time, home visits, and other scare tactics in order to obtain thousands of dollars in false debt.

If you get a call like this, here’s what you can (and should) do.

1. Ask for the person’s full name, bar license number, and the state they are licensed to practice law in. Each state has a directory of licensed attorneys or a phone number where you can verify their information.

2. Know whether or not you actually owe a debt. If you don’t owe a debt, demand verification of the alleged debt.

HEAR FROM A HAPPY CLIENT

“Dellutri Law Firm is simply the best. The lawyers and staff all have a level of integrity and professionalism I have never experienced before. They will make you feel positive about an unfortunate time in your life. When my husband was laid off, we lost our home, we were buried in debt, and to add insult to injury, the first lawyer we went to made us feel like lowlifes. It was just awful. But after hearing Mr. Dellutri on a local radio channel, I gathered up the nerve to call in and

ask him a few questions, especially about the things the previous lawyer told us. He simply said, “Give me a chance. I know I can help.” And he did. I can’t say enough about this firm. They were there for us in the beginning and have been there ever since. They won’t forget you. They will answer your calls and emails. I promise you — this firm is the best.”

– Anonymous

Haveyou heard the goodnews?

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” – John 8:12

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