When dealing with debt collection calls, it is very important you know your rights as a consumer. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. All debt collector must abide by the rules set in the FDCPA.
It is illegal for debt collector of any kind to use abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when collecting a debt. What does this mean exactly?
Types of Debts
Medical bills, credit card debt, auto loans, student loans, mortgage, and other household debts are covered. This includes apartment debt as well. Business debts are not covered in the Fair Debt Collection Act.
Debt Collection Contact
A debt collector can only contact you at a certain time of day; not before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m (in your timezone) unless you have agreed to an earlier or later time.
Ways a Debt Collection Can Contact You
A debt collector can contact you through the U.S. Mail, Email, and Text Messages to collect a debt.
How to Stop a Debt Collection from Contacting You
According the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act, you you can send a letter by certified mail, return receipt to have record of the request. Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt for proof. Once the debt collector receives your letter they can only contact you for the following:
- to confirm it will stop contacting you
- tell you a specific action, like filing a lawsuit
If you are represented by lawyer, and tell the debt collector, the debt collector is obligated to discuss your debt with your lawyer, not you.
If your lawyer has not responded in a timely manner, then the debt collector can contact you regarding the debt.
You should talk to the debt collector at least once, even if you deny the debt or can’t repay the debt immediately. This is an important step in confirming whether it’s really your debt. If it is your debt, you can find out more information about the debt from the debt collector.
Check Out Our Debt Collector Review.
When speaking with any debt collector be very careful about sharing personal and financial information, especially if you’ve never spoken with the debt collector. Thank you for viewing debt collection know your rights.
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