Q: What are debt collectors not allowed to do?
A: They can’t harass you. For example, they can’t:
• threaten you with violence or harm
• use obscene or profane language
• repeatedly use the phone to annoy you
They can’t lie. For example, they can’t:
• misrepresent the amount you owe
• lie about being attorneys or government representatives
• falsely claim you’ll be arrested, or claim legal action will be taken against you if it’s not true
They can’t engage in unfair practices. For example, they can’t:
• try to collect interest, fees, or other charges on top of the amount you owe, unless the original
contract or your state law allows it
• deposit a post-dated check early
• take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally