Can a debt collector tell me to pay more than I owe on a debt?

No, debt collectors cannot legally tell you to pay more than you owe on a debt in Texas. Texas debt collection law requires all debt collectors to act legally and ethically when trying to collect a debt. According to Texas law, debt collectors cannot threaten, harass, or deceive a debtor in an effort to collect a debt. This includes falsely telling a debtor that they owe more money than they actually do. In the state of Texas, creditors who attempt to collect more than what is owed on a debt can be subject to civil and criminal penalties. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) is responsible for enforcing laws related to debt collection. If a creditor attempts to collect beyond the balance owed, the debtor can file a complaint with the OCCC, which can result in the creditor being fined and any illegally collected funds being refunded to the debtor. In addition, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) also applies to debt collectors in Texas. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from making false or misleading statements in order to collect a debt, which includes telling a debtor that they owe more money than they actually do. If you believe a debt collector is in violation of the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

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Can a debt collector tell me to pay more than I owe on a debt?

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