| The Fair Debt Collection Act (FDCPA) is a law | | | | request that they not contact you there and they |
| that is intended to provide protection from the | | | | must comply. |
| mistreatment of debt collectors who otherwise | | | | If you request that a collector not contact you |
| might engage in harrassing behaviors. The Fair | | | | again regarding a specific debt, they are required |
| Debt Collection Practices Act also outlines various | | | | to listen to this request and not contact you again. |
| rules that any collection agency must abide by | | | | They may only stay in touch with you in order to |
| whenever they are undertaking debt collection. | | | | inform you of actions they might take to continue |
| It's good to know that you have the protection | | | | the collection process. Collectors are not allowed |
| of the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) | | | | to contact friends and relatives of yours to ask |
| if you are struggling and falling behind on your | | | | invasive or embarrassing questions. They are only |
| debt payments. You can find more information | | | | permitted to get your contact info and not to |
| about debt collection laws and the Fair Debt | | | | discuss your personal matters. |
| Collection Act at this link: | | | | The bottom line is that harassing behaviors are |
| FDCPA at FTC.GOV | | | | not allowed. Collectors are no longer allowed to |
| Many debt collectors will assume that people don't | | | | speak with you using an abusive tone of voice, or |
| know anything about laws that protect them | | | | insults. They are required to provide the amount |
| from harassment, so they may resort to rude | | | | of payment you owe to settle the debt and to |
| tactics in trying to collect money. If you have | | | | reveal their own identify whenever they contact |
| been mistreated, you do have options. | | | | you. |
| Fortunately, the FDCPA laws will protect you | | | | The FDCPA requires that collection agencies |
| from any illegal tactics from collection agencies. | | | | should help you to understand what your rights |
| The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act | | | | are. If for some reason you are not informed |
| The FDCPA ensures that debt collection will be | | | | about your rights, you may lodge a complaint |
| undertaken in a fair manner, on behalf of both | | | | against that collection agency. You should always |
| parties: the debtor and the creditor. The main | | | | document any communications in the event you |
| purpose of the law is to ensure ethical practices | | | | should need to file a complaint or prove the |
| of debt collectors and how they go about | | | | conversations later on. |
| collecting debt. Any invasion of privacy or | | | | You are Responsible to Make Debt Repayments |
| harassment that includes offensive or misleading | | | | Always try to repay your debts whenever |
| behavior is not tolerated. | | | | possible. If you find you are having a hard time |
| You are required to repay the debts that you | | | | making payments, contact your creditors or work |
| have, and the law also protects creditors. The | | | | with the collection company to make a fair |
| FDCPA provides creditors with easier means to | | | | arrangement for repayment. You can rest easier |
| obtain payment and collect debt. They are allowed | | | | knowing that the Fair Debt Collection Act will |
| to search for a person as well as contact them | | | | protect you and ensure you will be treated fairly. |
| for payment. The law also provides guidelines on | | | | If you are falling behind, take the first step and |
| fees allowed for late payment and additional | | | | make the call. You may be able to negotiate an |
| factors. | | | | acceptable repayment schedule. By avoiding your |
| If you are the person who owes money, the | | | | creditors or collectors, you will only make the |
| FDCPA will make sure you are treated fairly while | | | | problem worse and lessen the chances of working |
| making arrangements to repay your debt. For | | | | out a more acceptable arrangement, The law will |
| example, the law provides guidelines such as | | | | protect you from certain unethical collection |
| options and loan repayment terms with potential | | | | behaviors, but you are still liable to repay your |
| for loan repayment extension or lower payments. | | | | debts. |
| How the Fair Debt Collection Act (FDCPA) | | | | Most collectors will be more willing to work with |
| Protects You | | | | you than you might think. You have nothing to |
| Collectors may only call you during business hours | | | | lose by trying to talk to them about your situation |
| and cannot harass you by calling any time of the | | | | and finding a good repayment options. This way |
| day or night : after 8:00 am, and before 9:00 pm | | | | you can settle your debt in a way that works out |
| local time. They are allowed to try and contact | | | | for both parties. |
| you at your place of employment, but you can | | | | |