What type of behavior does the FDCPA bar a debt collector from engaging in?
The FDCPA prohibits debt collection agencies from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair tactics. Debt collectors may not engage in: • Harassing Behavior: A debt collector may not use profanity, threats of violence, or repeatedly call the debtor to cause annoyance. • Using False or Misleading Statements: A debt collector may not lie about the amount of a debt, claim to work for a credit reporting company, or claim to be an attorney or government representative. • Threatening Behavior: Debt collectors may not say that a debtor will be arrested for not paying debts or threaten to garnish a debtor’s wages or sell their property, unless permitted by law. • Unfair Collection Practices: A collector may not add interest or fees that the original agreement disallows, contact a debtor by postcard, or deposit a posted-dated check early.
