What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

If you are contacted by a debt collector in New York, it is important to know your rights under the Consumer Fraud Law. You should always ask for written proof of the debt, such as a copy of the invoice, statement, or court order. This is important because you can’t be sure the person making the phone call is actually a debt collector. If the debt is legitimate, you should consider negotiating a payment plan. A payment plan is more manageable than paying the full balance at once. You should make sure to get the payment plan in writing and keep a copy of it for your records. You should also be aware that debt collectors in New York are legally restricted in how they can contact you. They are allowed to contact you by phone, mail, and email during normal business hours, but they can not use obscene language, threaten violence, or call you multiple times a day. If a debt collector violates this law, you can file a complaint with the New York State Consumer Protection Board. Finally, remember that debt collectors in New York are not allowed to take money from you that you do not owe. If you believe the debt is incorrect, you can dispute it with the debt collector and request additional verification of the debt. By understanding your rights and responsibilities under the Consumer Fraud Law in New York, you will be able to better protect yourself from debt collectors.

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What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

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