When it comes to debt collection harassment, we have some good news and some bad news for you. Debt collectors aren’t allowed to do anything and everything in order to attempt to collect from you. There are laws and regulations in place to protect you from abuse. That’s the good news. The bad news is that some less-than-scrupulous debt collectors will break these rules and it’s up to you to not only recognize the abuse but also report it. This leads to one very important question: what qualifies as debt collection harassment or abuse?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was put in place way back in the 1970’s to protect consumers from unfair and abusive collection tactics. It has been amended many times since then. This act is the main legal safeguard against unreasonable or threatening behaviors from creditors and collection agencies. Debt collections are not allowed to harass, oppress, or abuse you in regards to your debts, nor anyone else that they speak to regarding your debts. What’s the difference between bothering you and abusing you? There are two main things to watch out for. These are:

#1 Misrepresentation

A debt collector is not allowed to misrepresent themselves or your debts. This first part of the law covers a variety of false, misleading, and deceptive collection practices. If the caller refuses to give their name or identify the company they represent, this is considered misrepresentation. Making false threats against you, claiming to be an attorney or other legal professional, as well as threatening to do things they cannot legally do are all other forms of misrepresentation. 

#2 Harassment

If you feel like you are not being heard or respected when it comes to your debts, you may be facing debt collection harassment. Any type of intimidating threats of violence or other kind of harm, as well as obscene, abusive, or vulgar language are all forms of harassment. In addition, they are not allowed to share your information publicly in order to shame you into paying your debts. They are barred from contacting you in the middle of the night. If you verbally request they stop doing so, they cannot call you at work either.

Are you receiving harassing collection calls at your home or in the workplace? Are you getting multiple calls per day from the same collector? Are collectors filling up your voicemail box and calling all hours of the day? You don’t have to put up with these harassing calls, because they may be illegal. Knowing this is only the first part of the fight, though. Reach out to Safe Credit Solutions and learn what we can do for you. This is a FREE service to YOU! In some cases, you could receive up to $1000, have your debt absolved, and your name removed from reporting. Take back control of your life!