The FTC has a great, four-page overview of consumer rights relating to debt collection. Some of their tips include:
- Debt collectors can only contact you between the hours of 8AM and 9PM.
- If you want to stop debt collectors from contacting you, you must make a request in writing. Once the debt collector receives your letter, they can only contact you for two reasons: (1) to tell you they will no longer contact you; and/or (2) to inform you they intend to take a specific action—like filing a lawsuit.
- Broadly speaking, debt collectors cannot make any false statements when they speak with you.
If you have any questions or concerns about communications from debt collectors, contact the FTC or a consumer rights lawyer in your state.
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers| Federal Trade Commission
(photo: Desirée Delgado)
