Lawsuits by consumers against collectors on rise

Lawsuits against collectors rose 46% to 11,750 estimated by the end of 2010 according to Tampa Bay online. The main complaints in the suits were abusive language, threats of violence or sending consumers to jail, and third party disclosures. Other complaints were attempts to collect time barred debts, or debts discharged in bankruptcy, or debts not owed by the consumer at all. All of these actions are illegal according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. All of these violations if proven can result in a judgment for the consumer. However this does not appear to deter these collectors as the suits (and presumably the violations) are on the rise.