by Mike Peterson

Created on: August 21, 2008

If you have credit cards, chances are you may run into some debt at some point. And if you run up considerable debt, an official debt collector may contact you. Do not be afraid. Debt collectors are not evil, and there are rules that they have to follow. Being aware of those rules can take away some of the uncertainty and tension when it comes to debt collection. In 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was passed to ensure that you are treated fairly. But you will want to be prepared in case a debt collector comes knocking at your door.

Just what is a debt collector?
A debt collector is a professional, sometimes an attorney; hired to collect outstanding debts by those owed money. Debts could include personal debts, credit card debts, medical debts, or car or house payments.

What will a debt collector tell me about my debts?
A debt collector will first contact you to inform you that you are being asked to pay off your balance. Then, within the next five days, you will be informed via written notice of the amount you owe, who you owe, and what to do to either pay off the debt or challenge the claim.

What ways might a debt collector contact me?
You may be contacted via phone, fax, email, regular mail, or even in person. However, a debt collector MAY NOT contact you at unreasonably early or late hours (before 8 am or after 9 pm), or while you are at work. Unfortunately, they'll probably call just as you are sitting down to dinner.

Okay, I get it, my creditor wants their money back. How can I stop a debt collector from repeatedly contacting me, to the point of exasperation?
A debt collector is NOT permitted to harass you. If you feel they are harassing you, submit a written letter to the collection agency asking them to cease. After that, they cannot contact you again except to say they won't contact you again. However, they may contact you or your attorney if legal action is going to be taken regarding your unpaid debt.

Can a debt collector inform just anyone about my debts?
If you have an attorney, your debt collector may contact them. If you do not, a debt collector is permitted to try to locate you through a third party, but they may not contact that third party more than once. In general, a debt collector is not allowed to go all over town asking about you.

So the debt collector has contacted me, now what?
You have the right to read your credit report in full. Make sure that it is accurate and complete. See our article about understanding your credit report to

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