What consumer rights do I have when it comes to debt collection?

In Hawaii, consumer law provides protection against unfair debt collection practices. As a consumer, you have specific rights concerning debt collection. First, you have the right to receive written notice about the debt. This includes the amount owed, the creditors name, and the actions you can take if you dispute the debt. Additionally, the debt collector must provide you with verification of the debt, such as a copy of the original contract outlining the terms of the loan. Second, you have the right to dispute the debt. This means that you can question the accuracy of the debt or whether or not you legally owe it. If you do dispute the debt, you must do so in writing within 30 days of receiving the notice. You may also request that the debt collector cease all contact with you. Third, debt collectors are prohibited from harassing or abusing you. This includes threats of violence, using obscene language, and calling you repeatedly with the intent to annoy or harass you. Finally, it is illegal for debt collectors to make false or misleading statements in an attempt to collect a debt. You cannot be threatened with arrest or jail time, and debt collectors cannot tell you they are attorneys when they are not. By understanding your consumer rights, you can protect yourself from deceptive debt collection practices. If you feel like you have been a victim of any of these practices, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

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What consumer rights do I have when it comes to debt collection?

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