How Can I Report Harassing Credit Collection Calls?

Credit collection agencies sometimes use illegal tactics, such as repeatedly calling or threatening jail time over a debt, but you can report the agency to the Federal Trade Commission and the state attorney general's office. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act forbids collection agencies from using abusive or harassing techniques to collect money. For example, a collection agency cannot call you repeatedly at work when told not to or call you repeatedly on the same day.

Instructions

1

Keep a log of dates and times the credit collectors called. Include conversation details and the agency's name.

2

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website. You can file a complaint about the calls online or by calling the FTC.

3

Complete the online complaint form. Use the log for reference. Categorize the complaint under "Debt Collection - I am dissatisfied with the practices of a debt collector." Answer all questions about the creditor's identity, location and the calling abuse types. Provide any extra information you have. You can skip lines or sections if you do not know the information requested. Review the complaint a final time before filing.

4

Call the FTC at 877-382-4357 to report by phone. Have the log and the creditor's business name ready when calling.

5

Contact the state attorney's general office. Ask for instructions on how to file a complaint against a harassing collection agency. Complaint submission methods vary by state. Use the log for reference when making the complaint. Go to the National Association of Attorneys General website to view contact information for each attorney general by state.