Debt Collection Laws Facts and Frequently Asked Questions

Debt collection laws are in place to help protect you. Unfortunately, collection agencies don't always follow the laws and the complaints from those dealing with collectors are on the rise.

The current credit crisis has more collectors trying to get their money.

Many are even willing to violate the Fair Debt Collections Act to try to get their money.

To avoid being the victim of an abusive collector.

Here is a closer look at some of the debt collection laws and other important information you need for protection.

Debt Collection Laws Are There To Protect You - Use Them!

Debt Collection 101

You may be wondering what debt collection is. It is the act of trying to collect monies that are owed.

Usually companies that oversee this are known as debt collection agencies and they pursue payments on debts. Usually these agencies are agents of creditors and they are given a percentage on what they are able to collect.

Dealing With Debt Collection Agencies

Collection agencies are special companies that work to collect debts. They are required to follow collection laws, but this doesn't always stop collectors from pushing the law and even breaking it.

While there are many professional agencies that do follow the Debt Collection Act of 1982, there are still some that break the laws and it leaves you fighting collectors, which can be frustrating and scary.

Stop An Abusive Debt Collector

Unfortunately, you may meet an abusive collectors that chooses not to follow the laws.

You don't deserve to be treated this way when dealing with collectors, even if you are in financial trouble. Often these collectors stoop to bad practices to try to scare you into paying, which is not allowed by the law. You should never put up with a collector being rude and abusive.

Fighting Debt Collectors Stop Them Cold

The good news is that you can go about fighting collectors that break the law today. You can do this by keeping everything that you receive in the process and by keeping careful records.

If the collections harassment laws are broken, such as trying to sue you after the statute of limitations, you should report it to your state Attorney General or the Federal Trade commission.

Dealing with Debt Collectors Made Easy

While dealing with debt collectors is never easy, preparing yourself to do so is important. For proper protection, you need to know the laws and the proper ways to deal with collection professionals.

Make sure you are calm and collected. Always verify the account, and know your rights.

Stop Debt Collectors

One of the main ways that collection agencies break the law is by calling too early, calling too later, or calling so much it becomes harassment. Don't allow these people to break the collections harassment laws and get away from it. You can stop collectors from calling you by sending a cease and desist letter. You may also report companies that use these illegal practices.

Debt Collectors Practices

Today there are more sleazy and illegal collection practices than ever. Many agencies harass people on a regular basis and cross the line by using unethical practices. The problem is that most people don't know their rights so they don't know how to protect themselves.

Debt Collection Protection Guidelines

While the laws in place provide consumers with protection from collection, many consumers don't know the laws that are designed to keep them safe. It's important to stop collectors that break these laws. Protection is in place for you, make use of these protective measures.

Debt Collection Statute of Limitations

Many people find when dealing with collectors that they fail to consider the debt collection statute of limitations.

This keeps creditors from pursuing your account indefinitely. The statute of limitations can vary depending on which state you live in, so it's best to find out what it is in your state. If this time has already passed, you can stop collectors from pursuing it.

Debt Collector Laws

Laws are supposed to provide you with collection protection. These collector laws are designed to keep collectors from resorting to means that are unfair while they are trying to collect on a account.

Harassment and abuse happen on a regular basis, but you don't have to take this treatment according to law.

Debt Collection Act of 1982

Some of the laws in place were introduced in the Debt Collection Act of 1982. The laws are designed to set standards for collection agencies while working to keep consumers protected from harassment and other unfair practices.

The Fair Debt Collections Act

The Fair Debt Collections Act goes back a bit further than the Debt Collection Act of 1982. This was passed to help eliminate practices by an abusive collector.

It works to promote fair collection practices on debts and to help give consumers a way to dispute a debt's validity. Guidelines are laid out in this act for collectors, defining the rights of consumers dealing with collectors.

Fair Debt Collection Law

The Fair Debt Collection Law is put into place to cover household, family, and personal debts.

Any person collecting debts has to come under the laws laid out here. Even though consumers may legitimately owe money, there are still restrictions on collection practices.

Just a few of the restrictions include contacting third parties, threatening consumers, using insults and racial slurs, or making any false representations.

Debt Collections Harassment Laws

Under the debt collections harassment laws, you have certain rights when you are dealing with collection agencies. They are not to call you before 8am or after 9pm and you cannot be addressed in an abusive way. Unauthorized charges cannot be added and they are not to call you at your office either. If the debt collection laws are not followed you need to take steps to stop collectors by reporting these actions.