How to Report Creditor Harassment at Work

Debt collection is a common occurrence for individuals across the globe, and it can cause problems for people at home, at work or with friends and relatives. State and federal laws are meant to protect individuals from creditor harassment, but it's still a recurring problem for many. The Federal Trade Commission reported that it received approximately 140,000 complaints about debt collection in 2010. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically prohibits creditor harassment at a place of employment once a person requests no further contact there, but some creditors ignore such demands. In such cases, a report against the creditor should be filed with the FTC and the individual's state attorney general.

Instructions

1

Verify that you have a valid reason for reporting the creditor. Verbally request that all calls to your work stop immediately because such calls are not allowed, and follow up with a written letter informing the debt collector of your request not to be contacted at your place of employment effective immediately. Sign and date the letter, and mail it certified with a returned receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and your postage receipts for your records.

2

Use the postal system's track and confirmation system to verify receipt of your letter. For example, FedEx, UPS and the United States Postal Service websites have "track and confirm" links for users to input the code printed on a postage receipt to track delivery. Print the page that shows when your letter was delivered, and make a copy for your records.

3

Make notes of the times and dates you receive harassing calls at work, and record them using a voice recorder if possible. The only states that require both parties to be informed of taped phone calls are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. Verify that the calls occurred after your written request was received.

4

Visit the website of your state attorney general's office for information on reporting creditor harassment. Many states will require a form to be downloaded, completed and mailed along with any documents that support your claim. You will be required to provide the name, address and phone number of the collector, a written statement explaining when and how its representatives violated your rights, and what your requested resolution to the matter is.

5

Visit the website of the FTC or call 1-877-382-4357 and follow the prompts to report violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Online complaints require the name, address and other identifying information about the collector as well as a written statement about when and how your rights were violated. Callers will be required to verbally supply a FTC representative with the same information as in step 4.