Fair Debt Collection Practices
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
What Types of Debt Collection Practices are Prohibited?
A Debt Collector may NOT:
- Tell anyone that you owe money;
- Send or put anything on an envelope
that identifies the writer as a debt collector;
- Use threats of violence to harm
anyone or anyone's property or reputation;
- Falsely imply that the debt collector
represents the United States government or any state government;
- Use any false name;
- Falsely imply that the debt collector
is an attorney or represent that papers are legal forms, when they are not;
- Falsely imply that you committed
any crime;
- Falsely represent that the debt
collector operates or works for a credit bureau; or
- Falsely give CREDIT INFORMATION about you to anyone.
- Collect any amount greater than
the amount of your debt, unless allowed by law;
- Deposit a postdated check before
the date written;
- Make you accept collect calls or pay for telegrams.
What Can You Do If a Debt Collector Breaks the Law?
You have the right to sue
a debt collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law
was violated. You may recover money for the damage you suffered.
For more information:
Click the following link to view the
full text of the
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Click the following link for a sample
letter to prevent creditors from violating the fair debt collection
act.
