Nathan Higgenbottom, a debt collector claiming to work for DCA law firm, asked Memphis resident Mia Dodson for sex instead of cash to settle an alleged debt.
Dodson said she received a call from Higgenbottom trying to collect an old debt. Dodson said she’s received calls from various debt collectors over the past year, but never has she received a call like this.
Dodson said Higgenbottom left a message on her answering machine, which she recorded and played for the ABC television affiliate in Memphis.
On the tape Higgenbottom said, “If you cannot pay back with money, you can pay back with your body. That is what I am expecting from you.”
He then left his work number and private cell phone and went on to say, “My room is open 24/7 anytime. I’ll be waiting for your call. Let’s have a wonderful night.”
“Never in my life had I heard anything like that before,” Dodson said.
Suffice it to say, Higgenbottom committed several violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Kevin Snider is Dodson’s attorney, and he points out that Higgenbottom’s request for sex goes beyond violating the FDCPA.
Snider plans on suing DCA law firm, but sees potential obstacles.
“It is difficult to track these companies down. Even if you get a judgment, you may never collect it,” said Snider.
What Snider said is true, but you can fight back against unscrupulous debt collection agencies.
And in the case of DCA, they aren’t going to be that hard to track down. It seems the State of Washington is on to them and has issued a consumer alert.
If you find yourself receiving phone calls or correspondence from debt collectors, take the time to learn your rights under the FDCPA.
There are several good attorneys in the Memphis area that specialize in FDCPA law. If you run into problems with a debt collector, contact an attorney and let them help you.
