What to Do If a Bill Collector Crosses the Line
Here's what to do if a bill collector uses abusive tactics.
In order to deal with debt collectors, it pays to learn what they can and cannot do. Although most bill collectors are careful to follow the law when contacting you, some are not. If a bill collector goes too far, you can take action.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following), prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive behavior.
The FDCPA covers debt collectors who work for collection agencies. It does not cover debt collectors that are employed by the original creditor (the business or person who first extended you credit or loaned you money).
If a debt collector that works for a collection agency breaks the law, you can take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.
What Debt Collectors Can't Do
Debt collectors from collection agencies cannot do any of the following:
- Call you repeatedly or contact you at an unreasonable time (the law presumes that before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is unreasonable).
- Place telephone calls to you without identifying themselves as bill collectors.
- Contact you at work if your employer prohibits it.
- Use obscene or profane language.
- Use or threaten to use violence.
- Claim you owe more than you do.
- Claim to be attorneys if they're not.
- Claim that you'll be imprisoned or your property will be seized.
- Send you a paper that resembles a legal document.
- Add unauthorized interest, fees, or charges.
- Contact third parties, other than your attorney, a credit reporting bureau, or the original creditor, except for the limited purpose of finding information about your whereabouts. Unless you have asked collectors in writing to stop contacting you, they can also contact your spouse, your parents (if you are a minor), and your codebtors.
What to Do If Debt Collectors Break the Law
Here's what you can do if debt collectors engage in illegal activity:
1. Tell Them to Stop
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to tell a collection agency employee to stop contacting you. Simply send a letter stating that you want the collection agency to cease all communications with you. All agency employees are then prohibited from contacting you, except to tell you that collection efforts have ended or that the collection agency or original creditor intends to sue you or take advantage of some other legal remedy.
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Don't hide from debt collectors. You can tell a collector to stop calling even if the collector is not breaking the law. However, many debt counselors feel that, unless you're judgment proof (that is, broke for the foreseeable future) or truly plan to file for bankruptcy, the best overall advice is not to ignore the debt or try and hide from the debt collector. Usually, the longer you put off resolving the issue, the worse the situation and the consequences will become. Whether you negotiate directly with the collector or obtain a lawyer's assistance, many counselors feel the best strategy almost always is to speak to the collector.
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