What Things Can't A Collection Agency Do?

publish lists of people who owe money; use a badge or uniform of a law enforcement agency or claim to be from a government agency;
use documents which look like court or government documents, telegrams, or emergency messages;
make collect phone calls or send collect telegrams;
violate postal regulations;
threaten to add charges that aren't legal, for example, an interest rate higher than the rate in the original contract;
garnish wages or take debtors home or possessions without a court judgment, however, an exception exists for federally guaranteed student loans that are in default. A federal law provides for an administrative garnishment up to 10% of the debtor's pay, or;
threaten to have a debtor put in jail for bad debt.

Q: How Can Repossession Take Place?
A: The buyer does not have to be notified before the repossession occurs. The creditor cannot commit a crime, use abusive language, enter a home without permission, or … More
Q: Can A Creditor Take A Post-Dated Check?
A: A collector can ask the debtor to write a postdated check, but they cannot be required to do so. If the debtor gives a collection agency a postdated check, … More
Q: How May A Debt Collector Contact The Debtor?
A: A collector may contact the debtor in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or FAX. However, a debt collector may not contact the debtor at unreasonable times or … More
Q: May A Debt Collector Contact Anyone Else About A Debt?
A: If the debtor has an attorney, the debt collector may not contact anyone other than his or her attorney. If the debtor does not have an attorney, a collector may … More