FAQs

Is a debt collector anyone who collects debt?

No, a debt collector is a company that collects debt for a third party.

Are all types of debt protected under FDCPA?

The only type of debts that are protected under FDCPA are consumer debts. Business debts are not protected under FDCPA.

Can I be charged extra fees by a debt collector?

Debt collectors are not allowed to charge you more than the debt that you owe.

How do I know if a debt collector is harassing me?

Although there are not set rules as to what constitutes as harassment, if a debt collector is using language that is obscene or profane, that would be considered harassment. In addition, if a debt collector is allowing your phone to ring an obsessive number of times just to annoy you, that would also be considered harassment.

Can a debt collector threaten to sue me?

Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten to take any action against you that they do not intend to

Can I be threatened with criminal prosecution from a debt collector?

A debt collector is not allowed to imply that you have committed a crime to force you to make a payment and it is important to note that a debt collector is not a legal authority.

Can a debt collector contact my family or friends about the debt?

Debt collectors can contact your family or friend if they are trying to locate you, but they are only allowed to contact a person one time and they are not allowed to discuss the fact that you owe a debt.

Are there a certain amount of times that a debt collector can contact me?

The only limits that a debt collector has in terms of contacting you is they are not allowed to contact you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm and they are not allowed to contact you at a time that is known to be inconvenient.