What is the statute of limitations that a bill collector has to stop calling?
– Debbie, Billerica The state Consumer Protection Act prohibits some debt collection practices. (M.G.L. c. 93A, §2(c), 940 CMR 7.00) When dealing directly with you, creditors and collection agencies may not: • Call you more than twice for each debt in each 7 day period at home, or call you more than twice for each debt in each 30 day period at someplace other than your home. • Call you without identifying both the name of the creditor and the name of the person calling. • Call you at times other than your normal waking hours. If your waking hours are unknown, then the creditor or collector may only call between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. • Visit your home at times other than those mentioned above. A collector cannot visit more than once in any 30 day period for each debt, unless you give permission for additional visits. • Cause you to be charged for long distance calls (or other similar costs). • Call you at work if you requested that they not call. Your oral request is valid for only 10
