Visa debt collectors are required to abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive or unreasonable methods when collecting amounts due.
When Debt Collectors Can Call
Visa collectors can contact customers between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the customer's time zone. However, the customer and collector can agree to speak outside of this time frame.
Where Collectors Can Call
A Visa collector can call a customer's place of employment or home, but the collector must stop calling the customer's workplace if the customer verbally requests it. A written letter is required if he wishes to stop calls to his home.
Who Collectors Can Call
The Visa collector can contact acquaintances, employers and relatives to determine where to contact the customer, but the collector cannot identify herself as a debt collector to anyone but the consumer.
Deceptive Practices
A Visa collector cannot deceive the customer. For example, a collector cannot tell a customer that he will go to jail if payment is not made. The collector must identify herself on the phone as someone attempting to collect a debt, not someone with a business opportunity, for example, or a friend.
Abusive Practices
A Visa collector must communicate professionally. A collector cannot use disrespectful language or call continuously, harassing the customer. Debt collectors cannot contact a customer at his work if he knows the employer disapproves.
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