Debt Collection: Playing Fair

Under the Fair Debt Collections Protection Act, debt collectors may not:

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Use threats of violence or harm.

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Use obscene or profane language; or repeatedly use the telephone to annoy someone.

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Use any false or misleading statements when collecting a debt, like saying you will be arrested if you do not pay your debt.

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Contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree.

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Contact you at work if the collector knows that your employer disapproves.

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Contact you more than once after you write them a letter stating not to contact you.

SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission