The term “debt collector” refers to a person or company that is hired to collect unpaid debts on behalf of a creditor. They may contact debtors through phone calls, letters, or in-person visits in order to negotiate payment arrangements or take legal action if necessary. Debt collectors must follow certain regulations and guidelines outlined by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to ensure fair treatment of debtors.
Answer: No, debt collectors are prohibited from contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you have given them permission to do so.
Answer: Yes, debt collectors can contact you at your workplace, but they must stop doing so if you inform them that your employer prohibits such communication.
Answer: No, debt collectors are not allowed to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.
Answer: No, debt collectors cannot threaten you with legal action unless they actually intend to take legal action and have the authority to do so.
Answer: No, once you have requested a debt collector to stop contacting you, they must cease all communication, except to inform you about specific actions they plan to take.
Answer: Debt collectors can only charge fees or interest that are specifically allowed by the original contract or by state law.
Answer: No, debt collectors cannot sue you for a debt that is beyond the statute of limitations, which varies by state and type of debt.
Answer: Yes, if a debt collector obtains a judgment against you in court, they may be able to garnish your wages, depending on your state’s laws.
Answer: No, once a debt collector knows you are represented by an attorney, they must communicate with your attorney instead of contacting you directly.
Answer: Yes, debt collectors can report your unpaid debts to credit bureaus, which may negatively impact your credit score.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 13th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/debt-collector/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Debt Collector. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/debt-collector/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Debt Collector. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/debt-collector/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Debt Collector. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/debt-collector/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts