A collector calling does not mean you have lost your rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) sets firm limits on how third-party collectors can treat you.
They cannot harass you
No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., no threats, no repeated calls meant to annoy, and no telling your friends, family, or coworkers about your debt.
Ask for validation in writing
Within five days of first contact, a collector must send a written validation notice. You can dispute the debt in writing and request validation—collection should pause until they validate it. This single step stops many improper collections.
Document everything
Save dates, times, names, and (where legal) recordings. Keep copies of every letter. Documented violations are powerful, and they keep your options open.
If a collector crosses the line, you can bring the details into your secure portal so your consultant can help you organize a response.