Can a debt collector contact me by phone or in person?

In North Carolina, a debt collector is allowed to contact you by phone or in person regarding the collection of unpaid debt. However, a debt collector must follow certain rules and regulations concerning how and when they can contact you. In general, a debt collector must abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot harass, oppress, or abuse you; use obscene language; threaten violence; call too early or late in the day; contact you at work if they know it is inconvenient; contact you more than once to ask a question; and falsely tell you that you have committed a crime. If a debt collector contacts you by phone, they may only call between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., including Saturdays, local time at your location. If a debt collector contacts you in person, they must identify themselves truthfully, explain their purpose for the visit, and adhere to the number of visits they are allowed. Additionally, a debt collector must provide you with written notice of the debt, including the name of the creditor, the amount, and information regarding the steps you can take to dispute the debt. If the debt collector contacts you via phone or in person, you may request that all future communication be done in writing. A debt collector must honor this request. If a debt collector does not abide by these rules, you may report them to the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general’s office.

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Can a debt collector contact me by phone or in person?

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