Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

A debt collector must send you an initial letter within five days of contacting you to tell you the amount of the debt you owe, the name of the creditor to whom you owe the debt, your rights to dispute the debt and how to request verification of the debt.

Debt collectors may not:

• Use false names or statements, such as falsely implying that they are attorneys, government representatives or credit bureau representatives
• Threaten you or your family with harm
• Use obscene words when talking to you
• Contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Contact you without identifying themselves
• Tell others about your debt or publish the names of those who owe debts
• Falsely represent that you have committed a crime 
• Misrepresent the amount you owe on your debt