Debt collectors can contact you in several ways, including:
- Phone calls: Debt collectors can call you at home, at work, or on your cell phone. They can call you as often as they want, but they cannot call you at unreasonable hours, such as before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Letters: Debt collectors can send you letters demanding payment. The letters must contain information about the debt, including the name of the creditor and the amount owed.
- Emails: Debt collectors can send you emails, but they must comply with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-Sign Act) when sending electronic communications.
- In-person visits: Debt collectors can visit you at your home or place of work, but they cannot visit you at unreasonable hours or in a harassing or threatening manner.
- Text messages: Debt collectors can send text messages, but they must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) when sending text messages.
It’s important to be aware of your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which regulates the behavior of debt collectors. If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, you can sue the debt collector for damages. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).