What are debt collector's prohibited practices?

In Washington, it is illegal for debt collectors to use certain practices when attempting to collect a debt. Debt collectors are prohibited from using abusive, oppressive, or harassing language or actions when attempting to collect a debt. This can include using the telephone to annoy or harass a debtor, calling the debtor without properly identifying themselves, or using obscene or profane language. Debt collectors are also prohibited from threatening to take any type of unlawful action. This includes threatening legal action that the debt collector does not actually have the power to take or telling the debtor that they will be arrested, imprisoned, or have their wages garnished if they do not pay their debt. Debt collectors must also follow Washington State’s communication rules. This means they cannot call a debtor more than twice a day, they cannot contact the debtor before 8 am or after 9 pm, and they cannot contact the debtor at work if they have been asked not to. Finally, debt collectors are prohibited from attempting to collect more money than what is actually owed. This includes utilizing deceptive practices such as charging interest or charging fees that were not agreed upon. Debt collectors also cannot falsely represent themselves as attorneys or representing a credit reporting agency.

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What are debt collector's prohibited practices?

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