What Are Debt Collection Laws?

Many people have experienced debt collection calls in the past. From repeated, early calls to mean-spirited debt collectors; being on the receiving end of a debt collection call can be stressful. It is not uncommon for people to file lawsuits or seek guidance from a Houston bankruptcy lawyer for help managing these situations.

Fortunately, there are processes in place to protect debtors from such debt collection troubles. Debt collection laws are a set of regulations that debt collectors must follow. They are designed to help consumers by protecting them from creditor harassment and unfair debt collection practices. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates how debt collectors are allowed to conduct their business.

What Laws Must Collectors Follow?

• Collectors may not call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Collectors may not call your employer.
• Collectors may not leave you an automated message.
• Collectors may not call you if they know you’re represented by an attorney about the debt.
• Collectors may not contact you more than once a week.
• Collectors may not engage in harassment, oppression, or abusive language.
• Collectors may not use unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt.
• Collectors may not threaten to use violence or harm to you, your reputation, or your property.
• Collectors may not threaten you with arrest or say that you will be arrested.
• Collectors may not threaten to seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages.
• Collectors may not say that they’re law enforcement officials.
• Collectors may not claim that you will be imprisoned or deported.
• Collectors may not misrepresent the amount of money you owe.

If you have experienced any of these debt collection law violations, contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the name of the agency violating these laws. Consult with a Houston bankruptcy lawyer regarding how to halt debt collections and get out of debt.