Many people think that because they are overdue on credit card payments they have to tolerate harassing phone calls from collection agencies. Not so, according to The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which was designed to protect consumers from unfair, abusive and deceptive treatment by debt collectors.
You have the right to tell debt collectors you want them to cease all phone communication, but this must be done in writing. It’s also a good idea to send your request via registered mail so you have proof that it has been received. They can, however, continue to send you written demands for payment.
You do not have to speak with a debt collector. You certainly have every right to hang up. They cannot continue to repeatedly call you because this is considered harassment. They must call you between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.
Debt collectors cannot use any form of harassment such as using obscene language, continuous phone calls, use threats of violence or harm, falsely imply you’ve committed a crime or falsely imply that they are attorneys or government employees.
If you have any complaints about being harassed by a debt collector you can contact your state attorney general or local consumer protection agency. You can also send a copy of your complaint to the FTC at: The Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. You can also contact the FTC at their toll-free number: 1-877-382-4357 or visit their website at www.ftc.gov.
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