When does a collections agent over the phone cross over the line into harassment? Collection agencies are restricted from utilizing obscene language or threats of violence. However, they are allowed to insult your integrity and make you feel bad about the person you are.
Anecdotal stories that have surfaced are about collectors saying that a debt can’t be negotiated, settled or paid off more slowly. Bill collectors have been known to rudely demand when a debtor is going to pay, and then reject a debtors offer as not enough. This is not true or acceptable, as a consumer you always have the ability to negotiate.
Debt collectors work on commission which may be why the persistent ones can be so hostile and aggressive. But the point is that even though you may owe money to a creditor, you always have the right to be treated like a professional. While collectors are prohibited from calling third parties such as co-workers, friends and family to spread the word that you are in debt, collection agencies are allowed to contact people who may know where you are if they are trying to find you.
Bill collectors are expressly banned from threatening you with jail time, however it has become a common tactic to use this threat to intimidate immigrant communities, because there is less of a chance that these people will know or understand the law.
A bill collector cannot call you repeatedly, which technically means that they can’t continuously call you over and over. Despite this fact, that does not stop them from calling you two, three, even four times a day. With some companies, bill collectors are given a small number of accounts to work with purposely so that they can badger a consumer in debt into paying for their commission. To put a stop on collections phone calls, you are able to send a letter by certified mail return receipt requested requesting that they no longer contact you by phone.
Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection agency. She also composes stories on business, finance, consumer spending and collection agencies.