Understanding Debt Collection Harassment
What Is Debt Collection Harassment?
Debt collection harassment occurs when a creditor or collection agency uses aggressive, deceptive, or abusive tactics to force a consumer to repay a debt. While collecting a legitimate debt is legal, harassing a debtor is not. Common forms of harassment include repeated phone calls, threatening language, contacting your employer or family, or calling at inappropriate hours. These practices are not only unethical—they’re illegal under federal law.
Common Tactics Used by Harassing Debt Collectors
Debt collectors may NOT:
- Demand an incorrect amount of money
- Keep collecting after you tell them in writing to stop
- Call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Threaten arrest, or threaten legal action they can’t take
- Use profane or abusive language
- Contact third parties about your debt
These scare tactics are designed to wear you down emotionally and pressure you into paying—even if the debt is in dispute or not yours.
Know Your Legal Rights Under the FDCPA
Key Protections Offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices by third-party debt collectors. Under this law, you have the right to:
- Request written verification of the debt
- Demand that collectors stop contacting you
- Be free from threats or misleading statements
- File complaints or lawsuits for violations
These protections are powerful tools for defending yourself and regaining peace of mind.
Examples of Violations You Should Watch For
- Sending letters asking for incorrect amounts of money
- Disclosing your personal financial information to anyone except you
- Multiple daily calls to your cell or workplace
- Using fake legal threats or impersonating government officials
- Contacting you after you’ve requested in writing that they stop
- Refusing to verify the debt in writing
If any of these happen to you, it’s time to take serious action.
7 Steps to Stop Debt Collector Harassment
1. Request Verification of the Debt
When a collector first contacts you, you have 30 days to request written verification before the collector will assume the debt is valid. By requesting verification, the collector must pause collection efforts until they respond with supporting documents.
2. Send a Cease and Desist Letter
If you don’t want to be contacted again, send a formal cease and desist letter revoking your consent to be contacted. Under FDCPA, they must comply—except to inform you of a lawsuit or that they are ceasing efforts.
3. Keep a Record of All Communications
Document every phone call, letter, voicemail, or email. Keep a log with dates, times, and summaries of conversations. These records are crucial if you decide to report them or file a lawsuit. If the collector has contacted a neighbor, family member, or other third party, ask for a statement from that person and add the information to your communications log.
4. Report to the CFPB or Attorney General
You can report harassment to:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your state’s Attorney General
These agencies can investigate and take action.
5. Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
If the debt is invalid or already settled, it may wrongly affect your credit. File disputes with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at www.annualcreditreport.com, or at their individual websites. If a credit bureau fails to properly investigate, you may have claims against them for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
6. Consult a Consumer Protection Lawyer
An experienced attorney, like Emily Gomez, can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit if needed. Most consumer law attorneys offer free consultations and may take your case without upfront fees.
7. Sue the Debt Collector (At No Cost to You)
You can sue a collector for violating the FDCPA, at no up-front cost to yourself. It’s possible to
recover:
- Up to $1,000 in statutory damages
- Actual damages for emotional distress, lost wages, or other harm
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
When to Contact a Consumer Protection Attorney
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference
Handling harassment on your own can be overwhelming. A consumer protection lawyer knows how to stop illegal activity, protect your credit, and hold collectors accountable.
What The Law Office of Emily Gomez Can Do for You
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, The Law Office of Emily Gomez focuses on consumer protection cases. Whether you’re facing debt collection threats or need help fixing credit report errors, Emily Gomez can advocate for your rights and peace of mind.
Resources for Reporting Debt Collector Abuse
Agency How to File a Complaint
CFPB consumerfinance.gov/complaint
FTC reportfraud.ftc.gov
PA Attorney General attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint
FAQs About Debt Collector Harassment
Can debt collectors call me at work or at night?
No. They cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM, and they must stop contacting you at work if you tell them not to.
Is it legal for a debt collector to contact my family?
Yes, but only to locate you. Even then, they cannot discuss your debt with anyone else.
Can a debt collector threaten to sue me?
Only if they truly intend to sue. False legal threats are a violation of the FDCPA.
What should I do if a debt isn’t mine?
Dispute it in writing immediately and request verification. You are not responsible for someone else’s debt.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Face Harassment Alone
Debt collector harassment can take a serious toll on your mental and financial health—but you’re not powerless. By knowing your rights, documenting interactions, and getting legal support, you can stop the harassment and take back control of your life.
If you’re in Pennsylvania and need help, contact The Law Office of Emily Gomez, LLC for a free consultation at (412) 378-5854. You don’t have to go through this alone.
