If you’re in the process of fighting debt, and you’re having a hard time paying it, you’re probably going to be getting those pesky phone calls at all hours of the day.  What many people don’t know when it comes to debt collection is that there are laws that come alongside them.  I wanted to point out a few laws that you should be aware of when it comes to your debt, and the collectors calling you.

Debt collectors have time limits:  A debt collector can’t call you at three in the morning demanding money.  The FTC will only allow them to call from 8 AM to 9 PM.  The only way that they can call you before, or after these hours is if you agree to it.  The FTC also prohibits them from calling you at inconvenient times if they know about it.  For example, if you were attending a funeral, and they kept calling your cell phone.

Contacting other people about you:  Yes, debt collectors are able to call family members, and friends, but they are only allow to do it once.  They can ask for an address, phone number, or alternative way of contacting you.  If you’re being represented by a debt attorney, they may only contact that person, and that is it.

You must get validation:  Every bill collector must sent you a validation after the first time they call you.  This particular piece of paper will tell you what you owe, who’s calling you, and how you can contact them.  This will allow you to confirm that you truly do owe that money.

What can’t they do at all? There are many things that a debt collector can’t do, no matter what.  For example, they can’t threaten you, use profane language, annoy you constantly throughout the day, make false representations, and misrepresent the money you owe.

If you find that the debt collectors are breaking these rules, you will want to contact the FTC immediately to report this company.  Every company must play by the rules.