States Institute New Rules for Debt Collectors

by Randy
(Ashland, OH, USA)

Response to news article:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/18/states-institute-new-rules-that-limit-debt/

Even though some economists are saying that the recent economic crisis is over, many Americans are still living with the ramifications of the downturn. Some people who built up credit card debt face increasing pressure from debt collectors, but not all the tactics of debt collectors are proper or legal.

Laws are in place both nationally and in states that protect consumers from strong-arm tactics such as harassment or deceptive tactics. Specific laws prohibit calls before 8:00 AM and late at night along with not allowing debt collectors to inform others of a person’s consumer debt. Some states have adopted stricter rules than the national laws and it been projected that more and more states will be bring forth new legislation that is similar.

Two of the core items in many of the new laws requires that debt collectors prove that debt is owed by the targeted consumer along with the amount of the debt and forcing debt collectors to also inform the consumer of the source of the original debt. In some instances, debt collectors were pressuring wrong people and also over-stating the amount of the debt owed.

Debt collectors have contacted me on a number of occasions and even at my work place, but all of the calls have been for another consumer and not me. Even after contacting the debt collections agency, they still call my number at work, trying to collect money for someone who is not even related to me or anyone in my house.

I am in complete agreement with any new rules that protect consumers from over zealous and unscrupulous debt collectors.