If you are asking this question, it’s probably because you are being harassed by a particular collector who thinks calling day and night is the best way to get your money. If you’ve had enough and want to know your legal rights, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The fact is that the collector is likely calling far more often than allowed. Here’s what you need to know.
Debt Collectors Are Not Allows to Harass You
While there is no set number of times a debt collector is allowed to call a person, they can’t repeatedly call you with the intention of badgering you into paying up. According to federal law, you can stop the calls from coming simply by asking. Here’s how:
- For a work number, just ask them not to call again. A debt collector can’t call a work number if you tell them not to.
- Write a letter to the debt collector instructing the company to cease calling you.
At this point, the debt collector only has two options for contacting you.
- They can contact you to let you know that they will no longer be contacting you.
- They can contact you to let you know they are taking legal action against you.
Stopping the contact doesn’t clear the debt, but it can help you to enjoy your day and stop worrying about picking up the phone when it rings.
Things a Debt Collector Can’t Say
Even if a debt collector calls you, there are certain things the collector can’t say. For example, a collector cannot:
- Make violent threats
- Use profane language
- Threaten arrest
- Make false claims or statements
- Claim you have committed a crime (unless you actually have)
Your Legal Recourse Against Debt Collectors
If you are being harassed by a debt collector, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act can provide legal protection for you. At LaGuardia Law, we specialize in helping to get abusive debt collectors off your back. For a free consultation, call 619-655-4322 today.