Debt Collector Do's and Don'ts

Tips from the Federal Trade Commission for dealing with debt collectors.

ByABC News
January 19, 2007, 4:38 PM

July 6, 2007— -- This story originally aired on January 19, 2007.

Debt Collectors Can:

Contact a third party to find out where you live, what your phone number is and where you work. But they may not tell anyone else that you owe money or the amount, and they can't contact the party more than once.

Contact you by mail, telephone, telegram or fax, but only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless you agree to extended hours.

Debt Collectors Can't:

Use threats of violence and harm, or obscene and profane language.

Publish a list of consumers who refuse to pay their debts, except to a credit bureau.

Repeatedly call to annoy someone.

Imply they're attorneys or represent the government, or that they work for a credit bureau.

Call you at work if the collector knows your employer disapproves.