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Debunking the top five credit counseling myths, using a powerful tool — the FACTS.
Is it legal for creditors to call me at work? - Jaclyne
Dear Jaclyne,
First, it’s important to differentiate between the term “creditor” and “debt collector.” While the two may seem synonymous, they are actually very different in the eyes of the law.
Creditors, or “original creditors,” are the original party to which you owe money, such as a credit card company, auto dealership, etc. Debt collectors, on the other hand, are collection agencies or firms that exist for the primary purpose of collecting bad debts that have been turned over to them by the original creditors.
Debt collectors are required to follow a set of guidelines set forth by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices to collect from you.
According to the FDCPA, while it is legal for a collector to call you at work, if you request that they stop (either verbally or in writing), they must comply. It is also illegal for a collector to contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you have agreed to it.
On the other hand, if the calls are from the original creditor of the debt, these guidelines may not apply. While some states have similar consumer protection laws in place to regulate original creditors, I would recommend reviewing your state’s consumer laws to be sure.
To learn more about prohibited collection practices under the FDCPA, visit FTC.gov. The FTC also offers a helpful debt collection guide for consumers.
Sincerely,
The Advice Team
Do you have a question for the experts at MMI? Submit it here and the answer could be featured in an upcoming Blogging for Change post!
Over the last few months we’ve been talking a lot about the break-up process. Specifically, the process of breaking up with Debt.
Being that April is National Financial Literacy Month, there couldn’t be a better time to take the first step in redefining your relationship with your finances!
We encourage you to review the series of blog posts we’ve featured throughout the debt breakup process — from the Debt breakup letter to Sara's breakup story. And we’ll be introducing new posts throughout the month related to creating a healthy, sustainable relationship with your money now that you’ve decided to kick Debt to the curb.
In fact, the entire month of April is going to be focused on creating a “fresh financial start” through financial literacy. Everyone loves a blank slate — It’s a chance to start over. It’s a new beginning. It’s the ability to take all of your past mistakes and use them to plot a new — better — course. And that’s exactly what we’ll be helping you do over the next 30 days.
In fact, you can find each step of the 30-day journey at FinancialLiteracyMonth.com.
And don’t worry, you won’t be on the journey alone! In fact, you’ll be surrounded by 11,000+ people who have all made the very same commitment to financial wellness. Plus, we’ll be tweeting, posting and pinning every step of the way!
So what are you waiting for? Take the first step today.
Visit FinancialLiteracyMonth.com, take the pledge, and let’s create a better financial future together!