Is that call really legal? If you’ve ever been hounded by a debt collector, chances are you’ve wondered whether they’re allowed to do the things they do—like calling at odd hours, threatening legal action, or harassing you at work. You’re not alone.
That kind of pressure can feel relentless—but it’s also often illegal. At the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez, helping people stop abusive collection practices is what we do every day. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid credit cards or a medical debt collection agency that won’t quit, it’s time to separate fact from fiction and understand how to protect yourself.
Here’s what we’re going to look at: the most common myths around debt collection, what collectors are actually allowed to do, and how to take action when they cross the line.
Myth #1: If I owe money, collectors can call whenever they want
Wrong. Both Texas and federal laws limit when and how collectors can contact you.
They can’t:
- Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Contact you at work if they know your employer doesn’t allow it
- Use threats, profanity, or misleading information
You have the right to tell them to stop contacting you entirely—and once you do in writing, they must honor that.
Myth #2: Saying nothing means agreeing to the debt
Silence is not an admission. In fact, it’s smart to not say much until you’ve verified the debt.
Always ask for:
- The name of the original creditor
- The amount of the debt
- A written noticeconfirming the details
If something seems off—like a balance you never borrowed or a debt that’s years old—you may be dealing with an error or an expired claim.
Myth #3: Medical debts are treated differently
They’re not. A medical debt collection agency has to follow the same rules as any other collector. That means no harassment, no false threats, and no contacting you after you ask them in writing to stop. Your rights against debt collectors are still in full force, no matter what kind of debt it is.
Myth #4: There’s nothing you can do if a collector crosses the line
Actually, there’s a lot you can do.
If a collector is breaking the law, you have the power to:
- File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s office
- Report the collector to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Talk to a debt collection relief attorney in Texaswho can help stop the harassment
Being sued? Whether it’s a debt collection lawsuit or a surprise summons, you don’t have to face it alone. There are real legal defenses that can protect you.
Don’t Let Collectors Take Advantage of What You Don’t Know
Do you know what your rights are—and how to enforce them? Debt collectors count on fear and confusion to keep the pressure going, but we don’t have to accept it. When we stand up for our rights, we take control back.
If you’re tired of the calls, the stress, or the threats, contact the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez. Joel focuses exclusively on helping Texans stop collection harassment and find real relief—whether it’s handling constant calls, pushing back against a debt collection lawsuit in Corpus Christi, or shutting down a persistent medical debt collection agency.
You deserve better. Let’s talk about how to stop debt collectors from crossing the line and start putting the pressure back where it belongs.
