When a debt collector intrudes upon your privacy to demand payment of an alleged debt, it can make you feel intimidated, embarrassed, helpless and harassed. It is important for you to know that you have rights under the FDCPA (Federal Debt Collection Protection Act) that guard your dignity and protect your privacy. Debt collectors are obligated to behave within the law as stipulated under the FDCPA. Your rights are as follows:

• They cannot harass you-this includes calling you repeatedly with the intent to annoy or harass you, using profane language or language that makes you feel intimidated.
• They cannot contact you at work if you make them aware that you cannot accept personal calls at work.
• They cannot tell third parties about your alleged debt, in fact, they cannot discuss your debt with anyone other than your attorney, a credit bureau, the creditor and the creditor's lawyer.
• They cannot call you after 9 p.m. or before 8 a.m.
• They cannot threaten you or use scare tactics, such as threatening imprisonment or calling and not identifying themselves, or identifying themselves as a government agency.
• They cannot legally sue you for an expired debt.
• They cannot contact you after you have put them on notice not to; sending them a simple letter will protect you and prevent them from contacting you further, except to tell you if a specific action is being taken.
• They must be able to verify the validity of the debt.
• Once you have asked for validation of debt, they are no longer permitted to contact you regarding that debt until proof of that debt is verified.
  

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

Steps to Take:

a. Make sure you know your rights
b. Make sure you ask them to verify the debt
c. Keep detailed notes of any communication you have with the collector.

It is important that you are aware of your rights concerning debt collection. For further information regarding steps you can take to enforce and protect your rights, please contact www.ftc.gov.

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