What to do When a Creditor Calls

Don't Panic When a Creditor Calls

The situation may feel hopeless, but it's not. You have the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) on your side. The FDCPA is a law that prevents abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by debt collectors. Here are some specific examples of how the FDCPA protects you.

  • A debt collector cannot contact you at unusual or inconvenient times or places-before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

  • They may not call you repeatedly or place telephone calls to you or any other person without identifying themselves as a debt collector.

  • A debt collector cannot contact third parties, except your attorney or a credit bureau, except to locate you. For example, if an agent contacts your employer they are only allowed to confirm or correct information on your whereabouts. They are forbidden to tell your employer about your financial difficulties.