What Are My Rights?
If you're unsure about debt collections and the laws that govern it, you can access in depth information from The Federal Trade Commission (FTC); they are responsible for enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) which debt collection agencies must follow. Listed below are common questions consumers have in regards to their rights.
Can debt collectors contact me where ever they choose or at any time? Debt collectors can contact you by phone, letter, email or text message to collect a debt as long as they follow state laws and government regulations. Debt collectors CAN NOT call a consumer before 8:00am or after 9:00pm (in the consumers' time zone) unless the consumer provides permission. Debt collectors are not allowed to call you at work if they are told orally or in writing they are not permitted to do so.
Can debt collectors charge interest? Our company does not add additional fees to your debt; however, creditors can add additional fees and interest to your debt if it was included in their terms and conditions of the original agreement with the consumer.
What are some actions a debt collection agency is prohibited from doing? The Federal Trade Commission is a good starting point for consumers to use to educate themselves and acquire relevant information. Some important areas that are off limits to a collection agency are:
- harassing consumers (make threats, use obscene language, etc.)
- making false statements (provide information that is deemed misleading or not factual)
- acting as a law enforcement or government agency/ official
- deposit post-dated checks early
- contact you via postcard
- divulge your personal information to a third party