Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when your phone rings, and it’s yet another call from a debt collector? You’re not alone. While some collection efforts are legal, many cross the line into harassment.

Understanding your rights can make all the difference in stopping debt collectors from making your life miserable.

What Debt Collectors Are Not Allowed to Do

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was designed to protect you from abusive and unethical debt collection practices. If you’re being harassed, it’s crucial to know what creditors are forbidden from doing. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are not allowed to:

  • Call excessively or at inappropriate hours.Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. are illegal unless you give permission.
  • Threaten you with violence or harm.Any attempt to intimidate or threaten physical harm is against the law.
  • Use abusive or profane language.Collectors cannot insult or verbally abuse you.
  • Contact you at work if you’ve requested them not to.Once you inform them that your employer doesn’t allow such calls, they must stop.
  • Misrepresent themselves.Debt collectors cannot pretend to be attorneys, government officials, or law enforcement.
  • Threaten legal action they cannot take.While filing a debt collection lawsuit is legal in some cases, threatening one without intention of doing so is not.

What You Can Do to Stop Debt Collectors

If a debt collector is violating your rights, you don’t have to sit back and accept it. Here’s what you can do:

  • Request Written Validation of the Debt:Within 30 days of being contacted, request a written notice detailing the amount you owe and the name of the creditor.
  • Keep Records:Document every interaction you have with the collector. Record dates, times, and the nature of the conversations.
  • Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter:If you want all communication to stop, you can send a certified letter instructing the collector to stop contacting you. Once they receive it, they can only reach out to confirm no further contact or to inform you about a specific legal action.
  • File a Complaint:Report violations to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s attorney general’s office.
  • Consider Legal Assistance:A debt collection relief attorney can help you hold collectors accountable for violating your rights and, in some cases, even eliminate certain debts.

If you have credit card debt, here are some smart strategies for tackling it. Please link to LFPA1.

How We Can Help You Take Back Control

Tired of being hounded by debt collectors? You deserve peace of mind. At the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez, we understand how overwhelming constant harassment can be. Whether it’s dealing with a medical debt collection agency or stopping aggressive collection tactics altogether, we’re here to help. By knowing your rights and taking the right steps, you can put an end to this unwanted stress.

Ready to put an end to the harassment? Contact the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez today to find out how we can help you stop debt collectors from disrupting your life. We’re here to guide you toward financial relief and peace of mind.