What should I do if I’m being harassed or threatened by a debt collector?

If you are being harassed or threatened by a debt collector in California, you have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. First, you should make sure you are aware of what debt collection practices are considered to be illegal in California. Debt collectors cannot threaten violence, use profanity, call you constantly, falsely imply that you have committed a crime, or use any other unfair and deceptive practices. If you believe a debt collector has harassed or threatened you, you have the right to file a complaint. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or your state Attorney General’s office. If you feel that legal action is necessary, you can also bring a private lawsuit against a debt collector in California. You may be able to recover damages if you can show that the debt collector’s actions violate the law. It is important that you keep a record of every communication you have with the debt collector, including a log of the time, date and content of all telephone conversations. If you would like to speak to an attorney about your rights, you can contact the National Association of Consumer Advocates or a local consumer protection organization.

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What should I do if I’m being harassed or threatened by a debt collector?

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