Is it illegal for a debt collector to harass me?

Yes, it is illegal for a debt collector to harass you in Pennsylvania. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors cannot use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when attempting to collect a debt. Such practices can include harassing behavior, such as making repeated phone calls that are intimidating or using threats of violence. They also cannot use language that is false, deceptive, or misleading. Debt collectors must also treat you with respect. They cannot threaten to take actions that they legally cannot or do not intend to take. They cannot use obscene or profane language. They cannot speak to you in a manner that is designed to embarrass you or cause you distress. It is also illegal for debt collectors to contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time, and they must identify themselves when they contact you. Furthermore, they cannot contact other people about your debt, such as your friends, family, or coworkers. In Pennsylvania, there are additional legal protections that can help protect you from harassing debt collectors. You have the right to request that a debt collector provide proof of the debt they are trying to collect, and they must cease any further contact if you dispute the debt. If you feel like you are being harassed, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities offers a complaint process and provides free legal advice and assistance.

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Is it illegal for a debt collector to harass me?

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