Predatory debt collectors are a common thing today in the world that revolves so heavily around loans.  Consumers should be aware of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act which protects consumers from the fraudulent acts being performed by lenders.  The act prohibits the use of deceptive and unfair collections found with services that collect debts for kick backs.

Stop debt collectors
All it takes is a letter to the service contacting you to stop debt collection from the particular agency.  You must send a letter to stop calls at your residence and you can notify the agency to stop calling you at work verbally or by a written letter. A letter that is sent certified is your best option since there is tractability in the event you want to file a law suit.

You also have the right to record phone calls made to you as evidence of harassment under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.  You need to inform the caller that they are being recorded as evidence.  You may file a complaint with the State Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission if you feel your rights have been violated. 

What time can Debt Collectors Call?
Collections agencies can only contact you at specific times of the day and under certain conditions.

• Residence: Allowed to contact you by mail, in person, by phone, by FAX, or email between 8 AM and 9 P.M.
• Unusual Time/Place: Cannot contact you at a time or place that is considered inconvenient.
  
• Work:  Cannot contact you at work if employer or you disapprove contact during working hours.

Max times they can call?
Collection agency can not call you continuously under the FDCPA.  Section 806(5) prohibits contacting the consumer by telephone "repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number." Continuously means making a series of telephone calls, one right after the other. "Repeatedly" means calling with excessive frequency under the circumstances.

Stopping Collection Calls at Work
Collectors can only call your work to verify your employment.  It is illegal to discuss debt and your personal business with third parties.  It only takes a verbal statement or written notice to have them stop calling you at work.  They must be notified that your employer does not prohibit these type of calls in your work place.
If your employer objects to these calls and you have contacted them verbally or with a written notice additional calls are grounds for a law suit under the FDCPA.


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If you are in foreclosure and collection agencies are harrasing you put a stop to it.  Please visit the the FAIR DEBT COLLECTIONS PRACTICE ACT and read about your rights.