Debt Collector Restrictions
March 21, 2008
As more and more consumers become late in payments, collection actions are increasing. Most bill collectors will obey the rules and work as honest representatives, but there are some who prefer to use strong arm tactics. Consumers should understand that they do not have to put up with that.
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has placed limits on what bill collectors can and cannot do. Consumers who understand these rules will find they have more options when it comes to dealing with aggressive bill collectors.
Bill collectors are not allowed to:
Call you repeatedly over a short period of time. This might be several calls within one single afternoon or during a single hour.
They are not allowed to call before 8 am and they are not allowed to call after 9 pm. If they wish to call during these off hours they must first have your permission to do so. They are not allowed to call on Sunday. Consumers may not know this, but if you tell them not to call at all, they must obey that request. This does not, however, mean that they will stop trying to collect. In fact, this may lead to them simply filing suit against you.
They are not allowed to call your workplace if you tell them they cannot do so. They are not allowed to call your employer unless they are trying to get back child support payments.
Bill collectors may not tell your relatives or neighbors that they are trying to collect money from you.
These are just a few of things that they are not allowed to do. If you are being harassed by bill collectors, you can read the Federal restrictions online to see if any apply to your case.