Debt collection is allowed—but harassment is not. Unfortunately, many consumers experience aggressive tactics that cross the line into illegal behavior under the FDCPA.

What Counts as Harassment?

Harassment is defined by behavior intended to:

• Annoy
• Abuse
• Intimidate

Common Harassment Tactics

Repeated Phone Calls

Collectors calling:

• Multiple times per day
• Back-to-back calls

Threatening Language

Statements like:

• “You’ll regret not paying”
• “We’ll make your life difficult”

Public Embarrassment

Collectors cannot:

• Post about your debt publicly
• Shame you on social media

Calling at Work

If your employer prohibits calls, collectors must stop.

Emotional Impact

Harassment can lead to:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Sleep disruption

The law recognizes this—and provides remedies.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request communication in writing
• Demand collectors stop contacting you

Final Thoughts

If a collector is harassing you, it’s not just unethical—it may be illegal.