They have violated the Federal Fair Debt Collection Act. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (aka FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., is a United States statute added in 1978 as Title VIII of the Consumer Credit Protection Act. Its purposes are to eliminate abusive practices in the collection of consumer debts, to promote fair debt collection and to provide consumers with an avenue for disputing and obtaining validation of debt information in order to ensure the information’s accuracy. The Act creates guidelines under which debt collectors may conduct business, defines rights of consumers involved with debt collectors, and prescribes penalties and remedies for violations of the Act. It is sometimes used in conjunction with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

They are not allowed to contact with third parties: revealing or discussing the nature of debts with third parties (other than the consumer’s spouse or attorney) or threatening such action. They may only call third parties in order to get information so that they can contact you.

They may only contact you between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

If you ask them in writing to stop contacting you, they must stop. However, they will probably sue to collect the debt.

The Federal Trade Commission has the authority to administratively enforce the FDCPA using its powers under the Federal Trade Commission Act. For information on how to file a complaint, follow this link:

No you can’t. They are supposedly not allowed to harass you, but calling and telling you to contact them is not harassing you. Call them and work something out. You owe them the money.

Of course! Pay the bill