Q: Rent a center
Rent a center is harassing me threating me with jail and being arrested I paid on time every time I recently went on fmla 4weeks ago and can't pay at the time they won't accept what I can pay I just wanna know my legal rights I live in oregon the rent a center is in washington state can they take me to jail or threaten me with police I just want to know if they are just trying to scare me or if this is normal or if they stepped over the line
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A:
In the United States, you cannot be jailed for debt. While Rent-A-Center may have remedies if you breach the rental agreement, such as repossessing the rented items or suing for the balance owed, they cannot have you arrested or jailed for non-payment. Threatening jail time for debt could potentially be considered a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) if done by a third-party collector and, in some states, by the creditor itself. Moreover, it's essential to keep all communication from Rent-A-Center, especially any threats.
If you feel harassed or threatened, you may wish to consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction about potential remedies or protections available to you. Always ensure any arrangements or agreements with creditors are documented in writing.
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