Are you an Illinois resident constantly getting phone calls from debt collectors? Debt collectors are allowed to call in an attempt to collect a debt. However, there are some practices that debt collectors are supposed to avoid. Learning more about the legalities of debt collection allows you to protect yourself from illegal debt collection practices.
Consumer protection
Credit issues often result in calls from debt collectors. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from illegal debt collection practices. Practices prohibited by the FDCPA include harassment, verbal abuse and deception.
Types of debts covered by the FDCPA
The FDCPA covers certain consumer debts. Debts covered include car loans, mortgages, student loans, medical bills and credit cards. The FDCPA doesn’t cover business debts. A business debt is when one business owes money to another business.
Hours of communication
Debt collectors can contact you during certain times of day. For example, you can legally receive debt collection calls between the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The only exception is if you agree to receive calls outside of those hours. Debt collectors also can’t call you at work if they know you’re not allowed personal calls.
There were instances of debt collectors harassing consumers by calling several times in a day. The FDCPA addressed this issue by limiting the number of times debt collectors can call. By law debt collectors cannot call more than seven times within a week. They also have to wait seven days before calling again after having a conversation.
Contact methods
Debt collectors can contact you using several methods. The most common contact methods are mail and phone. It’s also possible to contact you by email, text or via social media.
If a debt collector is harassing you, there are steps to stop it. One option is to mail a letter to the collection company and ask them to stop contacting you. You might have to take legal action if the debt collector refuses to stop the harassment.