There are millions of people who face debt each day in the United States. Whether it is debt from student loans, car loans, mortgages, unpaid medical bills or credit card debt; it can be an overwhelming experience until all of it is paid in full. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers in the United States from the harassment of debt collectors.
This act allows consumers to control how and when debt collectors contact them. They are not permitted to contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They also are not allowed to tell any third party about your debt. They also are not allowed to contact you while at work after you tell them so.
The act also protects you from debt collectors being untruthful in an effort to collect the debt. This includes them misrepresenting the amount of money owed on any account, the legal repercussions you might face should you fail to pay the debt and prevents the collectors from pretending to be any other company.
Debt collectors are required under the act to prove on their own that the debt you owe is correct. This is done using a verification letter. You can also elect to receive a verification letter from the debt collector, which they legally must provide you upon request.
Dealing with debt is never easy. You could be dealing with an even more difficult situation if debt collectors are constantly hounding you. Make sure you understand your rights under the FDCPA before submitting to any debt collector requests.
