- A debt collector cannot tell family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers about your debt or that they are trying to collect a debt from you.
- A debt collector cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- A debt collector cannot contact you in places that are inconvenient for you such as your place of work if you are not permitted to receive personal calls during work hours.
If a Debt Collector is Harassing You:
- You do not need to call or talk to a debt collector
- Keep a detailed written log of all telephone communication between you and the debt collector
- Always write down the date and time of the call, the name of the person calling, the name of the company, and the debt for which they are calling.
- If the communication is in writing do not throw it away. Save the letter and envelope. Write the date that the letter arrived on the front of the envelope and put it somewhere safe.
- Never give your personal information to a debt collector. This includes your bank account number.
- Be careful what you agree to over the phone. The call may be recorded and whatever you say may be binding.
- If the debt is valid and you choose to make a payment, make sure all payment arrangements are in writing and that you send payments via certified mail.
- If a debt collector has left tellephone messages, save them. This may be used as evidence of a violation of the FDCPA.
