FDCPA Violations: What Counts as Debt Collection Harassment

Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, overwhelming, and intimidating—especially when calls don’t stop or the person on the other end of the line becomes aggressive. Fortunately, federal collection harassment laws exist to protect consumers from abusive and unfair debt collection practices. One of the most important of these laws is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Understanding what the FDCPA prohibits, and what counts as debt collection harassment, can help you recognize when a debt collector has crossed the line and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law designed to prevent abusive, deceptive, and unfair behavior by third-party debt collectors. It applies to collection agencies, debt buyers, and attorneys who regularly collect debts on behalf of others.

The FDCPA sets clear rules for how debt collectors can communicate with consumers, what they are allowed to say, and when they must stop contacting you. When a collector violates these rules, it may constitute an FDCPA violation.

What Counts as Debt Collection Harassment?

Debt collection harassment occurs when a collector uses aggressive, repetitive, misleading, or threatening behavior to pressure someone into paying a debt. While a collector is allowed to contact you to request payment, there are strict limits on how they can do so.

Below are some of the most common FDCPA violations that may qualify as illegal debt collection practices.

Common FDCPA Violations Consumers Experience

Repeated or Excessive Phone Calls

One of the most frequent complaints involves debt collectors calling too often. While the FDCPA does not specify an exact number of allowed calls, repeatedly calling with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass is prohibited. This includes:

• Calling multiple times per day
• Calling back-to-back
• Hanging up without leaving a message

If a debt collector is calling constantly or at unreasonable hours, it may be considered harassment.

Threats or Intimidation

Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten consumers. Common examples include:

• Threatening arrest or jail
• Claiming you will be sued when no lawsuit is intended
• Threatening wage garnishment or asset seizure without legal authority

A debt collector threatening legal action they cannot or do not intend to take is engaging in deceptive debt collection tactics.

Lying or Misrepresenting the Debt

Debt collectors cannot lie about:

• The amount you owe
• The legal status of the debt
• Who they are or who they represent
• The consequences of not paying

For example, a debt collector lying about debt ownership or inflating the balance may be committing an FDCPA violation.

Contacting Family Members or Third Parties Improperly

Collectors are generally prohibited from discussing your debt with anyone other than you. While they may contact third parties once to locate you, they cannot:

• Reveal that you owe a debt
• Repeatedly contact family members or friends
• Pressure others to make you pay

Debt collectors contacting family members beyond these limited circumstances may violate collection harassment laws.

Calling After You Asked Them to Stop

If you submit a written request asking a debt collector to stop contacting you, they must comply. After receiving your request, a collector may only contact you to confirm they will stop or to notify you of specific legal action.

A debt collector calling after a written request to stop is a common and serious FDCPA violation.

Calling You at Work After Being Told Not To

Debt collectors are not allowed to contact you at work if they know or are told that your employer prohibits such calls. Continuing to call your workplace after being informed otherwise may qualify as debt collection harassment.

What Should I Do if I Am Contacted by a Debt Collector?

If you are contacted by a debt collector, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference.

Start by:

• Asking for written verification of the debt
• Keeping records of all calls, letters, and voicemails
• Avoiding verbal agreements or admissions
• Not providing personal or financial information until the debt is verified

If the behavior becomes aggressive, misleading, or excessive, document everything. These records may be important if the collector breaks the law.

Can I Sue a Debt Collector for Harassment?

Many consumers wonder, “Can I sue a debt collector for harassment?” The answer may be yes.

If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, consumers may have the right to take legal action. Suing a collection agency for harassment can potentially result in:

• Statutory damages
• Compensation for emotional distress
• Attorney’s fees and costs

Importantly, you do not need to prove you paid the debt or that the debt was invalid to pursue a claim. The focus is on the collector’s conduct—not whether you owed the money.

Suing a Collection Agency for Harassment: When It May Be Appropriate

Legal action may be appropriate if you experience:

• Persistent harassing calls
• Threats or intimidation
• Deceptive statements
• Continued contact after a stop request
• Improper third-party disclosures

A consumer rights attorney like Vullings Law Group can evaluate whether the conduct qualifies as an FDCPA violation and explain your legal options under federal and state consumer protection laws. Visit our Debt Collection Harassment page to learn more.

Why Collection Harassment Laws Matter

Collection harassment laws exist to protect consumers from being bullied or misled into payment. Debt collectors are required to follow strict rules, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of their rights and assume harassment is simply part of the process. Knowing what debt collectors can and cannot do empowers you to push back against abusive debt collection practices.

Know Your Rights and Take the Next Step

Debt collection does not have to mean intimidation, fear, or constant disruption to your life. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides important protections against abusive and unfair behavior, and FDCPA violations are more common than many people realize.

If you believe a debt collector has crossed the line, understanding your rights is the first step. Whether it involves repeated calls, threats, deception, or improper contact with others, debt collection harassment is not something you have to tolerate.

If you’re dealing with aggressive collection tactics and want clear guidance, Vullings Law Group can help you understand your options and determine whether a debt collector’s conduct may violate the FDCPA or other consumer protection laws. Contact us today to speak with a consumer protection attorney and get the support you need.