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What Are Debt Collectors Not Allowed To Do To Collect A Debt?

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The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which prevents debt collectors & bill collectors from using abusive tactics collect debts.

Under the FDCPA, there are many things debt collectors cannot do. Some are:

  • Contact you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m,
  • Contact you at work,
  • Contact you after you’ve notified them in writing that you don’t wish to be contacted again,
  • Discuss your debt with third parties,
  • Contact you about the debt if you are represented by an attorney, like myself about the debt,
  • Harass you with repeated phone calls or bad language,
  • Threaten you with criminal charges,
  • Send you documents that look like official government documents if they aren’t,
  • Try to collect fees that aren’t allowed under your agreement, and
  • Contact you by postcard.

Are you being harassed by a bad debt collector? If so, contact my office for a free consultation at (877) 449-8898 and find out what damages you may be entitled to.

Published: November 2, 2012

Updated: March 28, 2025


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