The federal Fair Debt Collection Act stipulates the dos and don’ts for collection agencies trying to retrieve credits. Under the FDCA, the debtor has the right to request the collection agency to stop calling them over the phone and also the right to turn to a court if there is a violation of the law. It also discourages collection agencies from the use of threats, unfair practices and harassment.
When Can Collection Agencies Call Me?
The collection agencies are allowed to contact the debtor via mail, fax, phone or telegram between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. But the debtor can refuse to respond to phone calls at certain places, such as work. The debtor may request for the contact to stop at which time the collection agency must refrain. Credit.com urges a written request be sent to the collection agency to cease the phone calls.
Can Collections Agencies Contact My Neighbors?
If the individual in question has an attorney to represent him or her then the collection agency must contact the attorney instead of the debtor himself. Third party such as family member, colleagues or employers can be contacted only to obtain the contact details of the debtor, such a contact is allowed just once and if the collection agency needs to contact the third party more than once then the consent of the party is a must.