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What Counts as Illegal Debt Collector Harassment?

The FDCPA outlines specific rules that debt collectors are legally required to follow. When those rules are broken, it’s a violation of your rights. It doesn’t matter whether the debt is valid — you are still entitled to fair and respectful treatment. We work with clients to hold abusive debt collectors accountable for crossing the line.

What Collectors Are Not Allowed to Do

  • Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Reach out at your workplace after being asked not to.
  • Use profane, abusive, or threatening language.
  • Misrepresent how much you owe or who they are.
  • Make false threats of arrest or legal action they can’t or won’t pursue.
  • Share your debt details with others like family, friends, or coworkers.
  • Call repeatedly just to harass or pressure you.
American Legal Shield

What We Do to Protect You

Once you hire us, the harassment ends. We act quickly to enforce your protections under the FDCPA.

Step 1: Demand They Stop Contact

We issue a cease and desist letter requiring the debt collector to stop contacting you. From that point forward, all communication goes through us, not you.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Our team collects all proof of illegal activity — every call, letter, or threat — to build a solid case against the collector.

Step 3: File a Lawsuit

We sue the collector on your behalf. Under the FDCPA, you may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus compensation for the harm caused.

How to Respond When Debt Collectors Cross the Line

The most powerful step you can take is to keep detailed records. The stronger your documentation, the stronger your legal case will be.

Follow these simple steps to protect yourself:

  1. Avoid Engagement: Don’t argue or debate with the collector. Calmly say, “Do not contact me again,” and end the call.
  2. Keep a Written Log: Record the date, time, collector’s name, company, and everything discussed during each call.
  3. Save All Correspondence: Store all letters, texts, and emails from the debt collector for your records.
  4. Get Legal Advice: Don’t agree to any payments or settlements without first speaking to a consumer protection attorney. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

Get Legal Protection Without Paying a Dime

The FDCPA contains a fee-shifting clause that works in your favor. If we win your case, the debt collector responsible for the violation must cover our legal fees and court costs. This ensures that you pay nothing out of pocket — ever. You’ll never receive a bill from us.

Learn more about our commitment to protecting consumer rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Collection Harassment

In most situations, no. Collectors are only permitted to reach out to third parties to verify your location or contact details. They cannot disclose your debt to your relatives, friends, or workplace—it’s against the law.

Just tell the collector directly, either on a call or in writing, that you’re not allowed to receive calls at your workplace. Once informed, they’re legally prohibited from calling your job again.

Even if the debt is real, the law still protects you. Collectors must treat you with fairness and respect, no matter your financial situation. The FDCPA applies whether or not the debt is valid.

Under the FDCPA, you usually have one year from the date the harassment occurred to file a legal claim. Acting quickly is essential to protect your legal rights and build a strong case.

Had Enough of the Harassment? Let’s Stop It.

You shouldn’t have to deal with another threatening call. Federal law gives you the power to put an end to it — and we’re here to help. Reach out for a free, private consultation and let us take action on your behalf.

True Experiences from Clients We've Supported

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