Receiving a telephone call from a debt collector is always an uncomfortable experience. Many people are not aware of their legal rights when it comes to collection agency phone calls. No matter how large the debt owed is, bill collectors still must follow certain codes of conduct under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Time Frame
Debt collectors can legally only call your residence or business between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone.
Misconceptions
People often believe that they have to put up with bill collectors calling them. However, you have the legal right to send any collection agency a "cease and desist" letter, requesting that they contact you only in writing.
Warning
Bill collectors often threaten legal action to intimidate people into paying. Realize that you cannot be arrested in modern times for accruing and not paying a simple debt taken out in good faith. Collection agencies threatening you to get money is also against the law.
Considerations
If a collection agency continually calls or ignores a "cease and desist" letter, you may wish to secure the services of a consumer rights attorney or take the business to small claims court.
Identification
Under the FDCPA, a bill collector must always inform you he is trying to collect a debt when calling or writing you. If he tries to claim to be someone he is not, such as a friend or even an attorney, then he broke the law.
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