Creditors have the right to request payment for monies owed to them by consumers. They are not, however, allowed to harass individuals to receive payment. By law, creditors must behave in an ethical manner when contacting those who are in debt to them. Unfortunately, some ignore legal constraints and engage in creditor harassment. Here are eight prime examples.

1. Threats of violence are always against the law. Report incidents directly to the police if a creditor threatens you.
2. A creditor does not have the power to have you arrested for your debt. This type of threat is baseless and harassing.
3. Creditors must acknowledge who they are when you ask for identification. Any misrepresentation of their identify, such as posing as law enforcement or a government agency, is harassment.
4. Those seeking to recover a debt are not allowed to contact you at odd hours such as early morning or late night. Likewise, they are forbidden from making many successive calls to you in a short period of time.
5. Debtors do not have to put up with vulgar language from a creditor. Using obscene language is harassing behavior.
6. A creditor is not allowed to enter your workplace to contact you regarding a debt. This type of action is particularly distressing as it threatens your job.
7. It is harassment if a creditor publishes your name as owing money. This includes both print and online public mentions.
8. Harassment occurs if a creditor continues to make contact with you following a written request to cease communication.

Contact us if you believe you are a victim of harassment.