They Threatened to Have Me Arrested
You cannot be arrested for a credit card, medical, or consumer loan debt. Any threat of arrest, jail, or "calling the police" is a textbook FDCPA violation.
False threats collectors make (all illegal)
- • "We'll send the sheriff to your house"
- • "A warrant will be issued for your arrest"
- • "You'll be charged with fraud / check fraud / theft"
- • "We're filing criminal charges"
- • "You'll go to jail if you don't pay"
- • "The DA is reviewing your file"
- • Showing up in person claiming to be a "process server" or law enforcement
Why this is one of the best FDCPA cases
FDCPA §1692e(4) and (5) prohibit representing that nonpayment will result in arrest and threatening to take any action that cannot legally be taken. Arrest threats hit both provisions at once. Courts award the full $1,000 statutory cap in these cases almost as a baseline, and emotional-distress damages often stack on top.
What we need from you
1. Anything recorded
Voicemails, call recordings (if you're in a one-party consent state), saved texts. The collector's own words are the case.
2. Written account of what was said
Date, time, caller name, and as close to verbatim as you can remember. Even without a recording, testimony is sufficient in FDCPA cases.
3. Get a licensed lawyer's assessment
A consumer-rights lawyer can assess whether the facts support a claim and explain deadlines, possible damages, and fees.
They Threatened to Arrest You?
We accept inquiries nationwide. Eligible California matters may qualify for limited creditor outreach; court work and out-of-state matters may need independent local counsel.