Gorski Law
Pennylvania & New Jersey Consumer Rights Law Firm
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Contacting A Consumer About A Debt

The limitations on how and when a consumer who owes a debt can be contacted by a debt collector is discussed. The step a consumer can take to stop a debt collector a from contacting him or her are also discussed.

CONTACTING A CONSUMER ABOUT A DEBT

Calling a Consumer About A Debt

Federal law places limitations on how and when a consumer who owes a debt can be contacted by a debt collector. The following prohibitions exist on when you can be called by a debt collector about a debt you owe:

  • Calls by telephone can only be between 8am and 9pm in your time zone. Debt collectors also cannot contact you at a time or place that it knows to be inconvenient to the consumer. Because of this limitations, it is important that you advise the debt collector if it is calling at inconvenient times.  
     
  • A debt collector is also prohibited from contacting you by telephone at your place of work if your employer prohibits collection calls or personal calls. 
     
  • A debt collector is likewise prohibited from contacting you when it knows you are represented by an attorney regarding the debt at issue. Accordingly, it is important that you tell a debt collector that you have an attorney if you hire one.
     
  • It is also a violation of federal telecommunication laws for a debt collector to contact a consumer on a cellular telephone using automated dialing systems or prerecorded voice calls without the consumer's express consent to be contacted on his or her cellular telephone.

Stopping Collection Activity

Consumers also have the right to stop a debt collector from communicating with him or her entirely. The consumer simply needs to write to the debt collector advising the debt collector that he or she is refusing to pay the debt or that the debt collector should cease any further communication.  The debt collector is violating federal law if it contacts the consumer after the letter is received.

Do You Need Help?

If a debt collector is contacting you in the prohibited manners described above, Gorski Law may be able to help. Gorski Law can help to stop the debt collector's harassing conduct and obtain compensation for any harm you have experienced as result of the these prohibited acts. Initial consultations are always free. Call 215-330-2100 or email the firm to schedule a consultation now.