How Do I Report Harassment by Collection Agencies?

Credit collectors are not allowed to harass you.

Collection agencies are often hired by creditors to get customers to pay on their debts. These agencies have guidelines that they are expected to follow. When a collection agency violates these guidelines, it is considered harassment. For example, collection agents are allowed to call consumers between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm. Calling at 10 pm is harassment. Consumers who are harassed can take action and report the harassing agency.

Instructions

1. Document the dates and times the harassment is taking place. Get the name of the individual who is calling you, if you can. Keep detailed notes of any conversation you have with the collection agency.

2. Keep a copy of all cease and desist letters, as well as any other letters you sent to the collection agency. It is best if you send these letters through certified mail so that you can prove that the collection agency received them.

3. Look up your state's current attorney general (see Resources). Contact your attorney general's office to find out what your state's debt collection laws are. If you feel that the debt collector has violated these laws, let the attorney general know.

4. Call the Federal Trade Commission to report the harassment. The telephone number is 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC will list your complaint in the Consumer Sentinel Network, which is accessed by civil and criminal attorneys.

5. Get a lawyer and sue the debt collector. Debt collectors take matters much more seriously when a lawyer is involved. The lawyer will be able to get the harassment to stop. If the case makes it to court, the debt collector may have to pay you for the harassment.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't put up with the harassment. Reporting it may take up some of your time, but it will get the harassment to stop.

• Even if you report harassment or file a claim in court, you are still responsible for paying the debt that you owe.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
• Consumer Law: Dealing with Debt Collection Harassment

Resources

• National Association of Attorneys General: Current Attorney Generals