FDCPA Violations

Are You Being Harassed? Fight Back with an FDCPA Violation Attorney in Texas

Dealing with relentless debt collectors is stressful and frightening. They might be calling you nonstop, threatening lawsuits, or revealing your private debt information to family or your employer. You should know that the law is on your side.

The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is designed to protect consumers like you from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. When debt collectors break these rules, they violate your rights—and we can use the law to make them pay.

At J. Gannon Helstowski Law Firm, we specialize in holding debt collectors accountable for FDCPA and Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) violations. We are dedicated to helping Texas consumers fight back and seek compensation for the emotional and financial harm caused by illegal debt collection.

Recognizing FDCPA Violations in Texas:

What Collectors CANNOT Do

Illegal debt collection tactics are not just annoyances; they are violations that can lead to a lawsuit against the collector. Here are common signs that a debt collector may be breaking the law:

  • Harassment and Abuse:
    • Calling you repeatedly or at inconvenient times (before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.).
    • Using abusive language or making threats of violence or harm.
    • Refusing to stop calling you after you have requested them to stop in writing.
  • False or Misleading Representations:
    • Misrepresenting the amount or legal status of the debt.
    • Threatening legal action that they cannot or do not intend to take.
    • Sending documents that falsely appear to be from a court or government agency.
  • Unfair Practices and Illegal Contact:
    • Contacting your family, friends, or employer about your debt (except to obtain location information).
    • Failing to validate the debt after you request it in writing.

How J. Gannon Helstowski Law Firm Helps You Fight Back

We enforce the FDCPA and TDCA for Texans. Our goal is to stop the harassment, protect your rights, and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our services include:

  • Case Analysis: A thorough review of your situation to identify all FDCPA and TDCA violations.
  • Stop the Calls: Sending formal Cease and Desist Letters to legally compel the debt collector to stop all further communication.
  • Challenge the Debt: Assisting you in sending a written Demand for Debt Validation, which forces the collector to verify the debt or cease collection efforts.
  • Filing a Lawsuit: Filing a lawsuit on your behalf against the debt collector to seek compensation for their illegal conduct.
  • Recovering Damages: Seeking statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation), actual damages (such as compensation for mental anguish and emotional distress), and recovery of your attorney’s fees and court costs directly from the debt collector.
  • Lawsuit Defense: Providing vigorous representation if you are sued by a debt collector and asserting FDCPA violations as potential defenses or counterclaims.
  • Credit Reporting Issues: Advising you on how FDCPA violations may relate to inaccurate credit reporting and assisting with disputes.

“When collectors violate the FDCPA, we can take them to court. We make them pay for breaking the law.”

Texas FDCPA Violations FAQ’s

What is the difference between the FDCPA and the TDCA?2025-11-10T10:18:27-06:00

The FDCPA is a federal law. The Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) is a state law that offers additional protection to Texas consumers, and violations of the TDCA can often be pursued under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), potentially leading to treble damages. Our firm is experienced in leveraging both laws for your benefit.

What is “Debt Validation,” and why is it important?2025-11-10T10:18:10-06:00

Debt validation is your right to request that a debt collector provide proof that the debt is valid and that they have the right to collect it. This compels the collector to cease collection efforts until they provide verification of the debt, such as the original creditor and account number.

What is a “Cease and Desist” Letter?2025-11-10T10:17:53-06:00

A cease and desist (or cease communication) letter is a written notice from you (or our firm) to a debt collector demanding that they stop contacting you. Once they receive this, the collector must stop all communication except to notify you of specific actions they may take, such as filing a lawsuit.

Can I sue a debt collector for violating the FDCPA?2025-11-10T10:17:35-06:00

Yes. You have the right to sue a debt collector who violates the FDCPA. If you win, you can potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages, compensation for actual damages (like emotional distress), and have your attorney’s fees and court costs paid by the debt collector.

Don’t Tolerate Illegal Harassment. Contact Our Firm Today.

You do not have to be a victim of illegal debt collection. The FDCPA is your shield, and J. Gannon Helstowski Law Firm is your sword.

If you believe a debt collector has violated your rights by harassing you, making false threats, or using unfair tactics, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

Free FDCPA Violations Consultation