There are rules governing collection agencies. Hope this helps.
Here is a list of rules that must be followed:
o No calls before 8am or after 9pm
o While on the phone or leaving a message, there can be no obscene, threatening, or vulgar language used
o Bill collectors must correctly identify themselves and the company they work for. They cannot give you misleading information. For instance, they cannot disguise themselves as a lawyer if they in fact, are not one.
o They cannot threaten to sue you if they do not have the means or authority to do so.
o They cannot trick you into paying your bill by making false claims to sue, attach your wages, or take your property.
o When you agree to make a payment, they cannot process it before the time that was agreed. They cannot accept a post dated check for more than 5 days into the future, unless it is in writing.
o They cannot process any payments are that are not authorized.
o When calling and leaving a message, they have to provide a return phone number for you to call back.
o They can only leave one message per day.
o If you ask them to stop contacting you by phone and contact you by mail only, they must to abide by that request - no questions asked, no exceptions.
These rules and regulations are put into place for your protection to ensure you are not harassed by bill collectors. Remember, a collection agency does have a right to conduct their business and do their job to try to get a payment out of you - but you do not have to endure illegal collection agency tactics.
If you feel your rights have been violated, you can report the company to the Better Business Bureau. You can also contact your state attorney general's office and file a complaint. If you need to make an immediate call to report a violation, the Federal Trade Commission is also there to help. They can be contacted at 1-877-FTC-HELP.