Collection Agencies

Dealing With Collection Agencies

Dealing with a debt collector can be one of life's most stressful experiences. Harassing calls, threats, and use of obscene language can drive you to the edge. Learn to recognize abusive collection practices. Even if you owe a debt, a collector owes you fair treatment and respect for your privacy.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you if your creditor has given your account to a third-party collection agency.

Collection agents may not:

• Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Talk to anyone but you (or your attorney, if you have one) about the debt.
• Threaten to garnish wages or seize property unless they actually intend to do so. Garnishment is illegal in some states, and in others requires a court order. In many cases, property seizure is not permitted. Check with your state attorney general's office or state consumer protection office to find out what is legal in your state.
• Threaten to sue unless they are actually taking legal action. In some states, third-party collection agencies may not sue.
• Threaten you with arrest or jail.
• Use obscene language.