You Are Entitled To Fair Debt Collection Practices

Even if you have fallen behind on a debt, you are entitled to fair and considerate treatment. Find out more about debt collection and what your rights are under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

If you've ever stopped paying a debt or have not been paying the amount agreed to in an installment contract (such as a car loan or mortgage), you've probably spoken with a debt collector. A debt collector may be an employee of your creditor or an employee of a third party organization hired by your creditor. You owe the money to the creditor, but the creditor may use a debt collector to help recover the money if you fall behind on your credit card or loan payments. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) covers the actions of debt collectors and requires that they treat you fairly.

Fair Debt Collection Act Do's and Don'ts

Here's some information that is included in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Debt collectors can:

• Contact you between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM in the time zone where you live

• Try to reach you by telephone, telegram, fax, or mail

• Contact your neighbors and family members in an attempt to find you

• Call you at home or at work (unless your employer objects)

To request that you not be contacted at work, or if you don't want to be contacted at all, it's probably best to send them a certified letter, return receipt requested. They are required to abide by your request.

Debt collectors cannot:

• Harass you by speaking to you without first identifying themselves

• Threaten you in any way (including threats of bodily harm or damage to your property or your reputation)

• State that you've committed a crime

• Tell you that you'll be arrested if you don't pay your debt

• Use false statements that imply they're attorneys if they're not

• Use obscene language

• Engage in unfair practices by sending postcards to you that can be read by others

• Make you accept collect calls or telegrams

• Deposit your post-dated check prior to the date on the check

After You Speak with a Debt Collector

Within five days of first contacting you, a debt collector must send you written information about the debt, including the amount of the debt, the creditor's name, and instructions on what you should do if you believe you do not owe the money.

An October 2006 amendment to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, (sections 801 and 802 of the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act), made some important changes to the law. Bad check collectors are exempt from the FDCPA if they have a contract with the state, county, or district attorney to pursue bad check offenders. Another change to the FDCPA is that debt collectors can make attempts to collect the debt within the 30-day period after sending you notice of your delinquency. For more information on the amendment to FDCPA, read the October 2006 postings in the Consumer Law and Policy Blog.

If you think there's a mistake regarding the debt, you should send a letter within 30 days stating why you believe you don't owe the money. Remember to send it certified, return receipt requested, so you have proof the debt collector received your letter. Once the debt collector has received the letter, all contact must stop (temporarily), other than to tell you the letter was received. If the debt collector determines the debt is yours, collection attempts can resume after proof of the debt is sent to you. At this point, you will need to determine if you can provide additional proof there has been a mistake. If not, you will be expected to repay the debt, and you should try to make payment arrangements with the debt collector.

Understanding the debt collection process and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ensures you know how to protect your rights should you need to. For more information about what debt collectors may not do, see this factsheet about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act from a Maryland legal information website. For a general guide to your legal rights regarding debt, see the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco article Your Credit Rights: How the Law Protects You.

Take control of your finances with our debt help tools. Use ourcalculators and budget planner to help you manage your money.

Related Credit Protection Law Articles:

• How the Truth in Lending Act Protects You - Ever feel like Creditors have left something out of the contract? The Truth in Lending Act was designed to protect you and keep you informed on all topics related to your accounts and agreements. Learn some great ways that it regulates the industry and protects your rights.

• The Benefits of Good Credit Ratings - Whether financing a car, renting an apartment, or setting up utilities, credit reports have become a leading indicator of your credit risk. Maintaining good credit or improving bad credit will open opportunities. Learn how to improve your financial situation.

• You and the Federal Trade Commission - Did you know that there are many laws designed to protect consumers from unfair practices by creditors? While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces those laws, understanding them keeps you protected.