The document outlines consumer rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which aims to protect individuals from aggressive debt collection tactics. It lists specific actions that debt collectors are prohibited from taking, such as contacting consumers after they've requested no further communication and using abusive language. Consumers are encouraged to understand and assert their rights to combat potential violations effectively.

1. Know Your Debt Collection
Rights
by: www.newhorizon.org

2. ● The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was designed to
protect consumers from overzealous debt collection tactics
that may or may not be considered harassive by some
people.
● Understanding what you rights really are can make the
debt collection process less scary and more effective for
consumers who may have gotten behind in their bills and
are looking for a way out.

3. The following is a list of rules and regulations
that debt collectors must follow…
These are also your rights and knowing them will
enable you to recognize when they are being
infringed upon.

4. ● Communicate with consumers in any way (other than litigation) after receiving
written notice stating that the consumer wishes no further communication or
refuses to pay the alleged debt.
● Contact consumers by telephone outside of the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
● Contact a consumer known to be represented by an attorney.
● Communicate with consumers at their place of employment after being advised
that this is unacceptable or prohibited by the employer.
● Threaten arrest or legal action that is either not permitted or not actually
intended.
Call or engage any person in phone conversation repeatedly or continuously:
with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number.

5. ● Communicate with the consumer or the pursuing collection efforts by the
debt collector after receipt of a consumer’s written request for verification
of a debt made within the 30 day validation period.
● Pretend that he or she is an attorney or law enforcement officer.
● Publish a consumer’s name or address on a “bad debt” list.
● Use abusive or profane language used in the course of communication
related to the debt.
Seek unjustified amounts.
● Report false information on a consumer’s credit report or threaten to do so.
Communicate with third parties about the nature of debts (other than
the consumer’s spouse or attorney).

6. If you feel that your consumer rights are being
violated by debt collectors who don’t follow the
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act guidelines,
seek legal counsel immediately so as to protect
yourself and your finances.
Know your rights, understand them and use them
when dealing with any type of debt collection.

7. For more information
http://www.newhorizon.org/credit-info/understanding-debt-collection-rights/
RESOURCES:
● Debt Counseling Service -
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/debtconsolidation.htm
● Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/unsecured.htm