COVID-19 has impacted everyday life in unimaginable ways. It has caused or contributed to many Americans losing their jobs. The coming weeks and months may be some of the most financially difficult for individuals and families. For many, this could mean taking on credit card debt or deciding which bills get paid. Others may be facing financial pressure from debt collectors. Regardless of your current situation, consumers should be aware of two federal laws that may be able to help you if you find yourself dealing with financial difficulties: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (“EFTA”).
Handling Debt Collectors During Difficult Financial Times
During this time, one of the last things you want to deal with is debt collectors. Whether you are getting calls, letters, or just keep seeing the same debt collectors on your credit report, it is important to know that you can get help from an attorney. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act can help you deal with debt collection companies. You may not know it, but you have rights under the FDCPA and an attorney can help you exercise those rights. An attorney may be able to help you dispute your debts, stop the collection calls, and help your financial situation. If you are currently dealing with debt collectors, we encourage you to take the time to speak with our attorney to see whether we can assist you.
Your Right to Stop Certain Automatic Payments
Everything from mortgages to payday loan payments to your gym membership may have required you to sign up for automatic debits from your checking account. Automatic debits allow your monthly or biweekly payments to be taken out of your account without you ever having to think about it. While this can be convenient, sometimes things go wrong when you try to cancel these payments. What most consumers do not know is that the Electronic Funds Transfer Act provides consumers with certain rights related to these electronic payments. If you have tried to cancel an electronic payment, but found that the payment was taken out anyway, your rights under the EFTA may have been violated. Alternatively, if you find that you are going to have to cancel electronic payments, you may wish to consult with an attorney about your rights before doing so. We understand that you may be facing tough decisions about what bills to pay and may be able to assist you with effectively revoking your consent to future automatic payments.
Paycheck Problems in Missouri and Your Legal Rights Under the Coronavirus Response Act
On Help in STL, we have previously discussed how the federal and state wage laws may be able to help when your employer will not pay minimum wage, overtime, makes you work off the clock, takes your tips, or fails to pay you your last paycheck. If you think you were not paid properly, then we encourage you to take a look at our blog on Taking Legal Action for Paycheck Problems in Missouri. For those who have been laid off due to Covid-19, this is a good time to consult an attorney about wage and hour issues you may have. We recently published an article on the rights of employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and in it, you will find some of the latest changes to your rights as an employee. It is important to remember that every employment situation is different and consulting with any attorney can assist you in understanding your rights.
Voytas Law May Be Able to Help You With Your Problems Today
If you are a resident of Missouri or Illinois who is experiencing any of these problems, please contact Voytas Law, LLC today. We handle a variety of consumer issues for Missouri and Illinois residents including employment issues, help with debt collectors, and assistance when you have been treated unfairly. Not only will we answer your questions, but we will provide legal guidance about your options.
Rick Voytas of Voytas Law, LLC is a trial lawyer who combines objective advice with the tactical know-how to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Rick Voytas has more than nineteen years of courtroom and litigation experience, handling a variety of difficult cases.
As a native of St. Louis and licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and various federal courts, Rick Voytas provides knowledge and personal attention to your legal matter.
Don’t delay! Contact Voytas Law, LLC now for your consumer issues in Missouri and Illinois at 314-380-3166 or learn more at www.voytaslaw.com.
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