Great post on this topic. I assist my clients in dealing with these guys pretty much every day.

A couple of points that I didn’t see. Maybe I missed it. Generally the FDCPA does not apply to the original creditors. It was specifically written for debt collectors which are clearly differentiated from original creditors in the act. So if say a rep from B of A is calling, they are not going to be bound as tightly as a third party debt purchaser.

Also I saw a comment made about sending a cease communication letter to a collector to get them to stop calling. Consumers should utilize that practice with extreme caution. These days, it can be a highly sensitive issue with the creditor or collector and could actually prompt a lawsuit.

I think most people would rather ignore phone calls than prompt a lawsuit. So people shouldn’t just blindly fire those off if they are not sure what they are doing.

Other than that it was a very informative post for people, and the more people can recognize illegal tactics, the more empowered they will become.

Once you can recognize illegal tactics, you document them, save them until you have a sufficient amount and they you contact a local consumer advocate attorney to take the case. Each violation can be worth up to $1,000 dollars in fines, and remember, they may commit 4 or 5 violations on one phone call.

One last note, if you have a device that can record phone calls, then that is the best. Check the laws in your state, in some states only one party has to be aware that the call is being recorded. Other states require that both parties know. However as a side benefit, telling a collector that you are going to record the call seems to be the fastest proven technique to make them slither up and go away faster then you can say boo!!!

The next step to narrowing down their contact with you is to send a ‘Cease and Desist’ letter. This is done via regular ’snail’ mail and best sent registered mail so you know they received it and have physical proof.

I have written more about this, based on experience…. the link is with my name… best of luck Gary!

If you want them to stop calling you altogether send in a letter cease communication make sure you keep a record of everything. They have to stop communication with you.

Record all future calls they are NOT allowed to threaten you and say that they will sue you unless they really will. If it continues contact consumer protection agency in your area and file a complaint. before that I would suggest you call the lender and file an internal complain.