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Legal Rights and Debt Collectors - Part 1

  

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Legal rights only way to stop abuse by debt collectors

Know your legal rights as a consumer so that you can stop illegal abuse by debt collectors. So first some definitions: If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan, or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in repaying your creditors, or an error is made on your accounts, you may be contacted by a "debt collector.” Moreover, You should know that in either situation, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly by prohibiting certain methods of debt collection. Of course, the law does not forgive any legitimate debt you owe.

iDebtHelp has compiled a four-part series of frequently asked questions concerning your legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

So what are you legal rights when dealing with a debt collector?

1) What debts are covered? 

Personal, family, and household debts are covered under the Act. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care or for charge accounts. 

2) Who is a debt collector? 

A debt collector is any person, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others. Under a 1986 amendment to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, this includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.

3) How may a debt collector contact you?

A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram or fax. However, a debt collector may not contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree. A debt collector also may not contact you at work if the collector knows that your employer disapproves.

4) Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you? 

You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collection agency telling them to stop. Once the agency receives the letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact. The agency may notify you if the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action. 

MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS WITH DEBT COLLECTORS, SEE PART 2...

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Legal Rights Tip
 A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram or fax. However, a debt collector may not contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree.