The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets clear boundaries on what debt collectors cannot do. Key prohibitions include using false, deceptive, or misleading practices in collecting a debt; this encompasses misstating the amount owed, falsely claiming to be an attorney, and making unfounded threats of arrest. Additionally, the FDCPA forbids debt collectors from making threats they cannot legally execute or have no intention of following through on. They cannot use derogatory or obscene language, make repeated phone calls with the intent to annoy, contact you at inappropriate times, or continue communications after being asked in writing to stop. These regulations are in place to protect consumers from abusive and fraudulent collection tactics.