Industry Tips
Debt Collection
Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collection agencies may not use any false, deceptive or misleading representations or means to collect debts. They may not, among other things, harass, oppress or abuse any person while attempting to collect a debt. A debtor may be contacted in person or by phone between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They may be contacted at work unless their employer disapproves. When calls at work are allowed, the law still prohibits collectors from
telling others about the debtor's personal finances, threatening physical violence, using abusive or obscene language, or engaging in certain types of deception. For example, a debt collector may not intimidate a debtor by threatening arrest or imprisonment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT, IF APPLICABLE
Anyone considering entering an agreement with a debt collection agency should determine, before making a commitment, the collection methods used by the agency.