We’ve all missed a credit card payment at some point. Life gets busy, and forgetting happens, right? But what if you’ve missed several payments, your accounts are past due, and credit card companies or collection agencies keep calling? Can they do this? Yes, technically, per the cardholder agreement you signed when opening the account. However, they cannot harass you!

Most people don’t read the fine print when opening a new credit card, but even debt collectors must follow the law. Understanding your rights when behind on payments is crucial.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—the primary federal law governing debt collection. This law prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by debt collectors. Many people are unaware of their rights and don’t realize they can demand an end to unlawful practices.

Here are some of the top questions about debt collection practices, as outlined by the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.

• What types of debts are covered?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) covers credit card debt, auto loans, medical bills, student loans, mortgages, and other household debts. However, business debts are not protected under the FDCPA, so keep that in mind.

• Can debt collectors contact me any time or any place?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers by covering credit card debt, auto loans, medical bills, student loans, mortgages, and other household debts. However, it does not apply to business debts, so be aware of this distinction.

• How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?

Through the terms of the loan agreement or credit card agreement you signed with your creditors, they can try to reach you by phone, mail, email or text messages.

• What are debt collectors not allowed to do?

They cannot harass you, such as:

• Threaten you with violence
• Use obscene or profane language
• Repeatedly use the phone to annoy you

They cannot lie, such as:

• Misrepresent the amount you owe
• Represent themselves as an attorney or government official if they are not
• Falsely claim you’ll be arrested, or legal action will be taken against you if it is not true

• What should I do if I’m sued by a debt collector?

Respond by the date specified, either personally or through your attorney, to any lawsuits filed against you.  This will keep your rights intact.

• Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?

If you’ve experienced abusive creditor practices, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling their toll-free number or completing an online form. Your complaint will be taken seriously. You can also reach out to your state attorney general’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—the U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring banks, lenders, and financial companies treat consumers fairly.

If you have multiple past-due accounts, creditor calls may feel overwhelming. While creditors can attempt to collect on overdue debt, they cannot harass you.

You can read more about your rights at www.consumer.ftc.gov and print out reference sheets.In addition to helping clients successfully become debt free since 2006,Clear Coast Debt Relief provides a service to help redirect creditor calls and correspondence.

This approach not only reduces collection efforts for clients but also helps Clear Coast Debt Relief’s negotiators monitor debt progression and negotiate effectively with creditors. Clients can enhance their debt relief program by adding Clear Coast Debt Relief’s legal protection plan. Creditors have the right to enforce signed agreements, including raising rates, charging fees, initiating collections, or pursuing legal action for repayment. If your debt enters legal collection status, settlement remains possible but follows a different process.

Clear Coast Debt Relief’s legal plan provides direct counsel in your state, handling summons, demands, interrogatories, counterclaims, and rare court representation while enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Clients simply follow the recommended program as skilled negotiators work with creditors, regardless of the debt’s status.

If you’re struggling with credit card debt, falling behind on payments, or facing financial hardship without clear options, call Clear Coast Debt Relief at 866-837-0095! You’ll receive a free professional debt consultation and gain valuable insight into your options for living debt-free.