10 Signs A Debt Collector Is Breaking The Law

  1. If a debt collector’s lips are moving, they are probably breaking the law. If it is legal in your district, record every conversation.
  2. A debt collector can't attempt to contact you at work if they are told that you are not allowed to accept calls at work. Make sure you state it is in the policy of the company you work at.
  3. The debt collector may not discuss your debt with other third parties. However, they do have the right to contact others in trying to determine your home address, phone number and place of employment. But they can only do this one time.
  4. If you have an attorney representing you, the debt collector must communicate with you through your attorney and may not contact you directly. But they probably will.
  5. Debt collectors can only contact you between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM. Debt collectors will wrongfully claim to be in a different time zone where they are calling from.
  6. Contacting you without validating the debt. You can request that the debt collector only contact you in writing or not contact you at all (cease and desist). Send your letter return receipt requested so you have proof that they have received it. A free debt validation sample letter is available here.
  7. Be sure to keep a record of the communication that you have with the debt collector. If you find yourself in court, having good records of conversations and copies of letters, receipts, etc. will be very helpful.
  8. Debt collectors may not engage in harassing, oppressive, or abusive behavior. Constant calls, ignoring your rights or suing you in the wrong court are some examples.
  9. The debt collector may not make false statements. Falsely claiming to get warrant, bring criminal sanctions or threatening a civil judgment when no lawsuit has been filed are some examples.
  10. Debt collectors may not use unfair practices. They may not take or threaten to take your property without doing so in a legal process.

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