{"id":2986,"date":"2025-01-30T17:32:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T17:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.itshrt.com\/worldnews\/what-debt-collectors-can-and-cant-do-if-you-owe-money\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T17:32:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T17:32:52","slug":"what-debt-collectors-can-and-cant-do-if-you-owe-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.itshrt.com\/worldnews\/what-debt-collectors-can-and-cant-do-if-you-owe-money\/","title":{"rendered":"What debt collectors can (and can&#8217;t) do if you owe money"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6606220950177433\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- ItShrt World News -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6606220950177433\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"1882483372\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<figure class=\"embed embed--type-image is-image embed--float-none embed--size-medium\"><span class=\"img embed__content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/01\/30\/647ce083-63d8-44cb-b93a-b9017051bbea\/thumbnail\/620x348\/80c13f7b8987459ba306362bc2348b01\/gettyimages-1186176350.jpg?v=a599723035d2f104d7a2d01edbe96ef8#\" alt=\"Mail. \" height=\"348\" width=\"620\" class=\" lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/01\/30\/647ce083-63d8-44cb-b93a-b9017051bbea\/thumbnail\/620x348\/80c13f7b8987459ba306362bc2348b01\/gettyimages-1186176350.jpg?v=a599723035d2f104d7a2d01edbe96ef8 1x, https:\/\/assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/01\/30\/647ce083-63d8-44cb-b93a-b9017051bbea\/thumbnail\/1240x696\/a42a910e0cfe54809e762cbd4c7e8bf7\/gettyimages-1186176350.jpg?v=a599723035d2f104d7a2d01edbe96ef8 2x\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20620%20348'%2F%3E\"\/><\/span><figcaption class=\"embed__caption-container\"><span class=\"embed__caption\">Debt collectors have a range of tactics they can use \u2014 but certain strategies are off-limits during the collection process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                  <span class=\"embed__credit\"><\/p>\n<p>                Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>                          <\/span><br \/>\n              <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As numerous economic hurdles loom, millions of Americans have found themselves <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/cant-make-your-credit-card-payments-consider-this-instead\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">struggling with their debt payments<\/a><\/span>. About 20% of credit card users <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/1-in-5-credit-cards-are-maxed-out-ways-to-lower-your-balance\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">are maxed out<\/a><\/span>, meaning that they&#8217;ve used up all of their available credit, and nearly 9% of credit card debt payments <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/credit-card-delinquencies-are-rising-ways-to-pay-off-what-you-owe\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">are now delinquent<\/a><\/span>. The problem is that these types of issues can <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/what-happens-if-i-dont-make-my-credit-card-payments\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">come with big repercussions<\/a><\/span>, from credit damage to late fees and penalty APRs \u2014 and if you miss too many payments, your account may be turned over to a debt collector.<\/p>\n<p>Debt collectors are typically hired by lenders to recover unpaid debts after they&#8217;ve become seriously delinquent \u2014 typically after 90 days or more of nonpayment \u2014 and the tactics they use can range from polite reminders to much <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/what-will-a-debt-collector-do-if-i-cant-pay-old-credit-card-debt\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">more aggressive collection efforts<\/a><\/span>. In these situations, it can feel like the debt collector holds all the power, but the truth is that there are legal limitations on the tactics they can use.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Debt collection is governed by laws like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/legal-library\/browse\/rules\/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)<\/a>, which sets clear guidelines for how debt collectors can interact with consumers. So what are debt collectors legally allowed to do \u2014 and what strategies are they prohibited from using \u2014 when trying to collect on a debt? That&#8217;s what borrowers should know, especially now.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/cbsint_a10ef_cbsnews?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.money.com%2Fpr%2Fa68c45e313e3%3Fs1%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cbsnews.com%252Fnews%252Fwhat-debt-collectors-can-do-and-what-they-cant-if-you-owe-money&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-debt-collectors-can-do-and-what-they-cant-if-you-owe-money%2F&amp;event_type=click&amp;article_id=ba68f334-7bc7-47d6-a59b-83f604fd3a7b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow, sponsored, noopener\">Find out how to tackle your debt problems today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>4 things debt collectors can do if you owe money<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Here are a few things debt collectors are legally allowed to do if you owe them money:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Contact you about your debt<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt collectors are <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/heres-how-to-get-debt-collectors-to-stop-calling-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">allowed to contact you<\/a><\/span> about the debt through various channels, including phone calls, letters, email and text messages. They&#8217;re allowed to contact you at home or work (unless you tell them in writing not to call you at work). And, they can reach out multiple times, though there are restrictions on how often and when they can call.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/cbsint_a10ef_cbsnews?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.money.com%2Fpr%2Fa68c45e313e3%3Fs1%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cbsnews.com%252Fnews%252Fwhat-debt-collectors-can-do-and-what-they-cant-if-you-owe-money&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-debt-collectors-can-do-and-what-they-cant-if-you-owe-money%2F&amp;event_type=click&amp;article_id=ba68f334-7bc7-47d6-a59b-83f604fd3a7b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow, sponsored, noopener\">Speak to a debt expert about the options available to you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Report your debt to collection agencies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If your debt <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/how-late-can-you-pay-your-credit-card-bill\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">remains unpaid<\/a><\/span>, collectors can report it to credit reporting agencies. This is one of the most powerful tools debt collection agencies have, as a collection account on your credit report can make it harder to get approved for loans, credit cards or even housing for several years. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s essential to address collection accounts as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Offer a settlement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt collectors can ask you to pay the entire amount owed, but they can also work with you to find a compromise, which many of them are willing to do, especially if the debt was purchased for less than what&#8217;s owed. As part of that process, they&#8217;re allowed to discuss different payment options and terms \u2014 which could open the door to <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/how-to-negotiate-with-your-credit-card-company\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">settling your debt<\/a><\/span> for less than what you owe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Take legal action<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you ignore a debt long enough, a debt collector <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/when-can-a-credit-card-company-sue-you-for-non-payment\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">may sue you<\/a><\/span> in an attempt to recover the money. Debt collectors are allowed to file a lawsuit against you as long as the statute of limitations hasn&#8217;t expired. If they win, they may be able to garnish your wages or place liens on your property, depending on state laws and the type of debt. However, they must follow due process, and you have the right to defend yourself in court.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>4 things debt collectors can&#8217;t do if you owe money<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you owe money to a debt collector, they&#8217;re prohibited by law from doing the following:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Harass or threaten you<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt collectors are prohibited by law <span class=\"link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/heres-what-debt-collectors-cant-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">from harassing you or abusing you<\/a><\/span> through repeated calls, threats or obscene language to pressure you into paying. They can&#8217;t call repeatedly to annoy you, threaten violence or harm, use profane language or publish your name on a &#8220;bad debt&#8221; list. They also can&#8217;t call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you agree to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Lie about the debt<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt collectors are not allowed to lie to you or use deceptive practices to collect the debt. This includes misrepresenting the amount you owe, claiming to be a government official or pretending that failing to pay will lead to criminal charges. If a debt collector lies to you, they are breaking the law.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Discuss your debt with others<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse (in some cases) or your attorney. They cannot leave messages with co-workers, relatives or friends disclosing that you owe money. While they can contact others to find your address, home phone number or workplace, they can&#8217;t contact these third parties more than once.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Threaten arrests or jail time<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Debt is a civil matter, not a criminal one, so you cannot be arrested for unpaid debt alone \u2014 but some debt collectors will use threats like these to try and scare you into paying what&#8217;s owed. If a debt collector claims that you&#8217;ll be sent to jail for not paying, it&#8217;s important to understand that they are lying and violating federal law.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The bottom line<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, but understanding your rights can make a significant difference. While debt collectors are allowed to contact you, report your debts and even take legal action, they are strictly prohibited from harassment, dishonesty and revealing your debt to others. By knowing what&#8217;s legally allowed and what isn&#8217;t, you can make informed decisions, negotiate more effectively and protect yourself from unfair debt collection practices.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- tags --><\/p>\n<div class=\"content-author\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/team\/angelica-leicht\/\" class=\"content-author__name\" data-invalid-url-rewritten-http=\"\">Angelica Leicht<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"content-author__bio\">\n<div class=\"content-author__full-information\">\n<p class=\"content-author__text\">Angelica Leicht is senior editor for Managing Your Money, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6606220950177433\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- ItShrt World News -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6606220950177433\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"1882483372\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/what-debt-collectors-can-do-and-what-they-cant-if-you-owe-money\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Debt collectors have a range of tactics they can use \u2014 but certain strategies are off-limits during the collection process.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2987,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What debt collectors can (and can&#039;t) do if you owe money - World News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are certain approaches debt collectors can take, and some they can&amp;#039;t, when trying to collect on a debt.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/site.itshrt.com\/worldnews\/what-debt-collectors-can-and-cant-do-if-you-owe-money\/\" 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