Restricted Contact Hours – Debt collectors can only call consumers within the hours of 8am and 9pm.
Continuous Contact is Not Allowed – Calling continuously with the intent to annoy or harass the consumer into taking action on their debts is prohibited.
Work Contact Restrictions – Debt Collectors are not allowed to contact consumers at their place of employment if they tell them they cannot receive calls at work.
Attorney First – Debt collection companies are not allowed to call the consumer if it is known that they have an attorney representing them on the matter of the debt.
Validation Check – Collection agencies are not allowed to contact the person if he or she has requested validation on the declared debt during the required validation period (typically the first 30 days).
Unethical or Abusive Actions – Collection agents CANNOT use these abusive debt collection tactics:
Profane language
Threaten arrest
Threaten legal action
Lie about the amounts owed
Publish the consumer’s information on “bad debt” lists
Use public media (postcards or telegrams) to reach the consumer