What Debt Collectors Cannot Do

Debt collectors play a crucial role in the financial industry, but it is important to know that there are certain actions that they are not able to take legally. Federal and state laws protect consumers from abusive and manipulative behavior by debt collectors. It is important for Floridians to understand their rights and what debt collectors are prohibited from doing in order to protect themselves from illegal debt collection practices. Contact a Florida debt collection attorney from Sharmin & Sharmin today. 

The Restrictions Placed on Debt Collectors – According to Law

Debt collectors are restricted by law from following certain debt collection practices. These are designed to protect consumers from malicious and unfaithful attempts to obtain their money. Many of these are laid out in the Florida Consumer Collection Protection Act (FCCPA), also described in Florida state statute chapter 559. Despite being illegal, many debt collectors employ these practices on the bet that consumers do not pursue them with legal reciprocation. 

• Debt collectors must provide information about the debt they are trying to collect when asked. They are not allowed to refuse to provide this information;
• Debt collectors are not allowed to use abusive language or make threats. They cannot threaten to arrest someone if they do not pay;
• They are not allowed to call someone while they are at work;
• They are not allowed to call people at any hour of the day or night unless they have agreed to these terms. Some loan applications may include clauses that allow debt collectors to contact someone by text, at night, on weekends, or at work. However, one can revoke this permission;
• If someone has hired an attorney, the debt collector must work with their attorney instead of contacting them directly.

So, What Can a Florida Debt Collector Do?

Despite the restrictions placed upon debt collectors, there are a number of practices that they are allowed to employ. That being said, they are quite limiting and can provide consumers with a number of helpful pieces of information to provide to their attorneys.

• If a family member answers the phone, debt collectors can tell them that they are trying to collect a debt, but they cannot disclose specific details about the debt. However, they can disclose their name, the company they work for, and their purpose for calling;
• Debt collectors may contact someone through phone calls, emails, or letters through the mail;
• They are allowed to disclose that they are trying to collect a debt, either in writing or over the phone.

Sharmin & Sharmin – Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers Ready to Take on Your Fight

If a debt collector is acting illegally or violating your rights, it is important to document the actions and seek the help of a Florida debt defense attorney from the law offices of Sharmin & Sharmin. Understanding your rights and knowing what debt collectors cannot do can help you protect yourself from illegal debt collection practices. Contact us today at 1-844-Sharmin for a free consultation where we can address your concerns.