We have previously discussed how some debt collectors try to prey on people who they claim owe debts. The practices they use aren’t always legal. In fact, there are several things that debt collectors can do that can be considered harassment. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines what debt collectors are allowed to do. It also outlines the debt collector’s responsibilities.
While most people know that debt collectors aren’t allowed to threaten, use foul language or call constantly, some people might not realize the FDCPA also gives consumers other protections. One of these protections is that a debt collector can’t contact a consumer by mailing a postcard or by putting anything on an envelope that would indicate the correspondence is a debt collection. On the envelope, the address is the only thing that is allowed to indicate that the letter might be from a debt collector.
Another thing that a debt collector can’t do is to deposit a post-dated check prior to the date on the check. If you are dealing with a debt collector who has deposited a check early, seeking assistance immediately is vital to ensure that your rights remain protected.
There are a lot of things that are illegal for debt collectors to do. Any contact you have with a debt collector should be documented so that you have a record of what happens. If you feel you are being harassed by the debt collector or if you feel the debt collector is acting in an illegal manner, you can seek assistance to help hold the debt collector accountable for his or her actions in a Florida court.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What constitutes an “unfair” practice by a debt collector?” accessed Jan. 27, 2015