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List of collection agencies in New Hampshire
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Debt Collection Laws in New Hampshire
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Like all states, New Hampshire is governed by the federal FDCPA. This law restricts the behavior and actions of third-party debt collectors and prohibits them from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect debts from consumers.
- New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act: New Hampshire has a Consumer Protection Act which, although not specifically tailored for debt collection, can be used against unfair or deceptive trade practices, including some unfair debt collection practices.
- Licensing Requirements: Collection agencies operating in New Hampshire must be licensed and bonded. The licensing requirements are in place to ensure that collectors adhere to state laws.
- Statute of Limitations: New Hampshire has a statute of limitations on how long a creditor or collection agency can sue to collect a debt. The statute of limitations for written contracts in New Hampshire is generally three years, and for open-ended accounts (such as credit cards) also three years.
- Garnishment: If a creditor obtains a court judgment against a debtor, they may be able to garnish the debtor’s wages or bank accounts. However, there are federal and state limits on how much can be garnished to protect a portion of the debtor’s income.
- Exemptions: New Hampshire law provides exemptions for certain types of property, which means that they cannot be seized by creditors to satisfy a debt.
- Communication Restrictions: Under the FDCPA, there are restrictions on when and how often a debt collector can contact a debtor. For example, they cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they must cease communication if the debtor provides written notice that they wish the communication to stop.
- Debt Validation: Under both federal and New Hampshire state law, consumers have the right to request validation of the debt. This means that the debt collector must prove that the consumer actually owes the debt and that the amount is correct.
- Harassment and Misrepresentation: Both the federal FDCPA and the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act prohibit debt collectors from using harassment, oppression, or abuse in connection with the collection of a debt. They also cannot use false, deceptive, or misleading representations to collect a debt.
- Penalties for Violations: If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or New Hampshire’s debt collection laws, consumers may have the right to sue the collector for damages.
It’s advisable to stay updated with the most recent changes in laws and regulations. Consulting an attorney who specializes in debt collection laws in New Hampshire or checking the most recent legal sources is recommended for the most accurate information.
About New Hampshire State:
– New Hampshire was the first of thirteen original colonies to declare independence from England six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
– The main drivers of the state’s economy are the biomedical, tourism, smart manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
– New Hampshire residents face a higher-than-average cost of living but also enjoy higher average salaries and a poverty rate that’s lower than the national average.
– Its most common nickname is the Granite State, a mantle it earns from its extensive granite quarries.
– The state is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, featuring five rivers, parkland, and Mt. Monadnock, the world’s most climbed mountain.