What constitutes harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

Harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a broad term that encompasses a variety of behaviors. Generally, collection agencies are not allowed to make threats, engage in physical violence, use obscene language, or call you repeatedly. Additionally, the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from disclosing information about your debts to anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney. Furthermore, debt collection agencies may not falsely claim or imply that they are affiliated with a governmental agency, or threaten to take legal action if they do not have the authority to do so. This means they can’t threaten to take your property, arrest you, or take away your wages without proper authority. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from using any deceptive or misleading tactics when attempting to collect a debt. This includes making false statements about the amount owed, the legal status of the debt, or the consequences for not paying. Debt collectors are also not allowed to threaten to garnish your wages, take away your state tax refund, or report false information to credit reporting agencies. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must treat all consumers with courtesy and respect throughout the debt collection process. This includes not using language that is abusive, offensive, or profane. It also requires debt collectors to identify themselves and explain the purpose of the call. Altogether, the FDCPA ensures that consumers are treated fairly when it comes to debt collection.

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What constitutes harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

What constitutes harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

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