When
an individual owes a valid debt, the lender or holder of the debt may contact
that person in an effort to collect payment. However, there are limits as to
what that collector may do. You cannot be contacted before 8 a.m. or after 9
p.m. unless you give whoever is contacting you permission to do so. Debt
collectors are also barred from threatening to take legal action for nonpayment
if they do not intend to do so.
You must be treated in a respectful manner at all times. If a debt collector
uses foul language, threatens you or otherwise says or does something unlawful,
you have the right to take legal action. It may be possible to win up to $1,500
for each time you are treated in a manner not consistent with debt collection
law.
Debt collectors may not contact anyone else about your debt unless it is to get
your own contact information. For instance, a collector may call your employer
to get your phone number. However, they are not allowed to say anything about
you or your debt without your permission.
If you are contacted by a debt collector, you have the right to ask that the
debt be verified through a certified letter. If you are contacted again before
the debt is verified or it cannot be verified, you may wish to contact an
attorney who may be able to help you protect your rights.
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