What is harassment or abuse by debt collectors?

Harassment or abuse by debt collectors is a kind of debt collection practice that violates Washington’s debtor and creditor laws. Debt collectors may not use offensive language or threaten physical harm or violence against a debtor. They may not contact a debtor’s family or employer and must stop all contact if the debtor specifically requests it in writing. Debt collectors may not threaten to take legal action unless they intend to do so and if it is legally possible. Additionally, debt collectors may not call the debtor repeatedly or before 8 am and after 9 pm. They may not use false or misleading information when trying to collect a debt, such as claiming to be from a credit agency or pretending to be an attorney. It is also illegal to use deception or misrepresentation to collect a debt, such as telling a debtor that a non-existent debt is owed. Debt collectors may not try to embarass or humiliate a debtor through threats or harassment. For example, they cannot publicize a debtor’s financial status or contact the debtor’s place of employment. It is also illegal for debt collectors to use any kind of coercive behavior when attempting to collect a debt, such as asking for more than the amount actually owed or suggesting that the debtor will be arrested if the debt is not paid.

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What is harassment or abuse by debt collectors?

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