Third Party Collection Agencies Are Constantly Hounding You for Overdue

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The Answer is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act FDCPA) applies to third-party debt collectors, i.e., to persons who routinely attempt to collect debts on behalf of other creditors usually in return for a percentage of the amount owed), including specialized debt-collection agencies and attorneys.
In particular, the FDCPA prohibits collections agencies from:

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contacting the debtor at the debtor's place of employment if the employer objects;

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contacting the debtor during inconvenient or unusual times the FDCPA provides that convenient hours are generally between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless the debtor's particular circumstances, such as working the night shift, make those times inconvenient);

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contacting the debtor at inconvenient places, such as social events or worship services;

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contacting the debtor at all if the debtor is being represented by an attorney the collection agency must deal with the attorney instead);

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using harassing or intimidating tactics such as abusive language or threatening violence) or using false and misleading information such as pretending to be a police officer); and

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any communication with the debtor after receiving written notice that the debtor is refusing to pay the debt or does not want to be contacted again, except to advise the debtor of further action to be taken by the collection agency such as the filing of a lawsuit).
The FDCPA also requires collection agencies to provide a "validation notice" when they initially contact a debtor or within five days of that initial contact. The notice must indicate that the debtor has thirty days in which to dispute the debt and to request in writing) a written verification of the debt from the collection agency. An agency that fails to comply with the Act is liable for actual damages, plus additional damages not to exceed $1000, plus costs and attorney fees. The FTC may also seek cease-and-desist orders against debt collectors.

Third Party Collection Agencies Are Constantly Hounding You for Overdue

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