Can bill collectors legally call on Sundays?

Q: Can a bill collector call you on Sunday?

Yes, a bill collector can call you on Sunday, but they must adhere to the time restrictions set by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. in your local time. If you prefer not to receive calls on Sundays, you can inform the collector of your preference.

Q: What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

Debt collectors are prohibited from using threats or abusive language and cannot contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as your workplace if you request them not to. These protections are outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which aims to prevent harassment and ensure fair treatment of debtors.

Q: What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors is: 'I do not wish to be contacted regarding this debt.' By stating this, you can request that the collector cease communication, and they must comply under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Full question:

Can bill collectors call on Sunday?

Category: Debts and Credit
Subcategory: Fair Debt Collection Act
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Colorado

Answer:

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from harassing or abusing debtors. This includes actions like threatening violence, using obscene language, or repeatedly calling a debtor. The FDCPA applies to those who regularly collect debts for others, mainly collection agencies, and does not cover creditors collecting their own debts.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must follow strict rules when communicating with debtors. They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. They may contact debtors at home but cannot do so at places like clubs, churches, or school meetings. If a debtor requests verification of a debt, the collector must provide it in writing, including the amount owed and the creditor's name.

Additionally, if a debtor informs the collector of an attorney, future communications must go through that attorney. Debtors can stop collection contacts at any time, after which the collector must pursue other means, such as filing a lawsuit. The FDCPA also restricts contacting third parties about a debtor's debts, except for the debtor's spouse and parents, or to obtain the debtor's contact information.

Violations of the FDCPA can lead to the collector being liable for damages, regardless of whether the debtor owes the money. Debtors can seek up to $1,000 in actual damages, plus any additional actual damages. The Federal Trade Commission can also issue cease and desist orders against unlawful practices.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the 777 rule for debt collectors?

The 777 rule refers to a guideline for debt collectors, suggesting they should not call debtors more than seven times in a seven-day period. This helps prevent harassment and abuse, which are prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Collectors must also respect the debtor's request to cease communication. Violating these guidelines can lead to legal consequences for the collector.