Fair Debt Collection Practices
Your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

While debt collectors do have the right to demand payment, and eventually take legal action if necessary, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits any kind of harassment.  The FDCPA applies to any personal, family, or household debt and covers debt collectors who regularly collect debt for others, but not the creditors themselves or their lawyers.
​
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a collection call, you might wish to know:

• When can a collector contact me?  Unless you give them permission to do otherwise, debt collectors can only contact you between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.  They may not communicate with you by postcard.

• Can collectors contact me at work?  A collector may not contact you at work if they know your employer disapproves.

• What constitutes harassment under the FDCPA?  Collectors may not use profane language or threaten you with violence.  In many instances, it prohibits the publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts.  Collectors may not threaten to take your property unless they are actually able to do it.

• Can collectors contact my family or friends?  Debt collectors can contact other people but only to ask for information on how to locate you.  In most cases, the collector may not divulge the reason for the call to anyone other than you or your attorney.

• Can I get a collector to stop contacting me?  Debt collection agencies are required to honor written requests to stop contacting consumers.  Please be aware that sending a “cease and desist” letter does not relieve you of your responsibility.  You will still owe the money, and the company may pursue collection efforts.