If you’ve ever had a debt in collections, you know how stressful those phone calls and letters can be. It might feel like you’re being harassed, watched, or even threatened. But in reality, debt collectors have rules they must follow — and you have rights.
Knowing those rights can make all the difference. Whether you’re behind on a medical bill or have mounting credit card debt, understanding what fair debt collection actually means can help you protect your peace of mind (and your wallet).
Here are five things you should absolutely know about fair debt collection when collectors won’t stop calling.
You Have Rights Under the Law
First things first: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that outlines exactly how debt collectors are allowed to behave — and where the line is drawn.
- – They can’t call you in the middle of the night.
- – They can’t lie to you or threaten to have you arrested.
- – They can’t scream at you, harass your family, or call your job if you’ve asked them not to.
You’re not at the mercy of their tactics. You’re protected — and if a collector crosses the line, they could be the ones facing legal trouble.
That means if a collector calls you 10 times a day, refuses to tell you who they are, or shows up at your workplace, it’s not just obnoxious — it might be illegal.
You don’t have to tolerate that behavior. You can document it, report it, and even hire an attorney to help you take action.
Collectors Must Be Transparent With Third Parties
Let’s say a collector calls your parents, your employer, or even your neighbor, trying to dig up information on where you live or how to reach you. That might sound shady — but it’s not always illegal… if they follow the rules.
“Collectors are required to identify themselves, their motive, and their employer (when asked) to any third party they call to gather information about a debtor,” explains the Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi. “They may only contact third parties once to discover a debtor’s location, unless the information is found to be erroneous. Should the collector learn that the debtor has retained a lawyer, they must cease direct communications to the debtor and only communicate with the lawyer.”
In other words, they can’t just call your cousin twice a week pretending to be an old friend. They’re only allowed one attempt, and they have to play it straight.
If you’ve hired a lawyer to deal with your debt, all communication from the collector should immediately go to your attorney — not you. And if they break that rule, it’s grounds for a serious complaint.
You Can Demand Proof of the Debt
You don’t have to take a collector’s word for it. If someone calls you and says you owe them money, they’re legally required to provide proof. This is called debt validation.
You have the right to request, in writing, that the collector verify the details — including the amount, the original creditor, and whether they even have the legal right to collect. Once you make that request, they’re not allowed to continue contacting you until they’ve sent the documentation.
If the debt isn’t real, is past the statute of limitations, or doesn’t belong to you, this process can protect you from paying something you don’t owe.
And if they keep calling without validating, it’s considered another potential FDCPA violation — and more reason to speak with an attorney.
They Can’t Harass, Embarrass, or Threaten You
A collector can reach out and try to collect a debt. What they can’t do is use aggressive, manipulative, or humiliating tactics to get what they want. That means:
- – No calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- – No calling repeatedly to annoy or intimidate you.
- – No threats of violence or arrest.
- – No public shaming or telling your coworkers personal information.
Unfortunately, many collectors still cross the line — especially with people who don’t know their rights. But you don’t have to just let it go.
Start keeping a log where you write down dates, times, names, and what was said. If things escalate, you’ll have documentation. That’s the first step toward filing a formal complaint or suing for damages.
You Can Take Back Control of the Conversation
You’re not powerless — no matter how loud or persistent the collector is. There are smart, strategic ways to handle collection calls without caving to pressure or fear.
- – First, get everything in writing. Ask for a written notice of the debt and don’t make payments or admit anything until you’ve seen the paperwork.
- – Second, you can ask them to stop contacting you. A written cease and desist letter can legally stop all communication — though it may speed up the collector’s decision to pursue legal action, so it’s wise to consult an attorney first.
- – Third, if you’re overwhelmed or unsure, talk to a consumer protection lawyer who understands FDCPA violations. Many offer free consultations and can walk you through your best options.
Adding it All Up
Just because you owe money doesn’t mean you deserve to be harassed. You have legal rights — and collectors have legal responsibilities. When you know the rules, you shift the power dynamic. Lean into these protections and speak with an attorney if you feel like it’s needed!