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Debt collectors also may not state that:
• You will be arrested if you do not pay your debt.
• They will seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so.
• Actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against you, when such action legally may not be taken, or when they do not intend to take such action.
Debt collectors may not:
• Give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit bureau.
• Send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency when it is not.
• Use a false name.
Unfair practices
Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, collectors may not:
• Collect any amount greater than your debt, unless your state law permits such a charge.
• Deposit a post-dated check prematurely.
• Use deception so you accept collect calls or pay for telegrams.
• Take or threaten to take your property unless this can be done legally.
• Contact you by postcard.
What can you do if you believe a debt collector violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, you may
Debt Collectors and Fair Practices
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