What is Considered Debt Collection Harassment?

Dealing with debts can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, for many people, this stress is compounded by aggressive and abusive tactics used by some debt collectors. Understanding what constitutes debt collection harassment is essential for protecting your rights and taking action against illegal practices. At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we are committed to standing up for consumers and ensuring they are not subjected to unlawful or unethical treatment by debt collectors.

Understanding Debt Collection Harassment

Debt collectors are legally permitted to contact individuals regarding unpaid debts, but there are clear limits to what they can and cannot do. Harassment occurs when debt collectors cross those legal boundaries, employing tactics that are abusive, misleading or otherwise designed to intimidate and coerce consumers into paying debts—whether they owe them or not. 

The law provides consumers with protections under statutes such as the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and, in Michigan, additional safeguards under state regulations. Despite these protections, many people may not recognize all the warning signs of harassment or understand their legal rights.

At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we help victims of debt collection harassment take a stand against these illegal actions. By pursuing claims for compensation and holding debt collectors accountable, we work to protect consumers and restore their peace of mind.

Warning Signs of Debt Collection Harassment

To protect yourself, you need to know what constitutes illegal debt collection practices. Below are some common forms of harassment that violate consumer protection laws:

1. Excessive or Unlawful Communication

Debt collectors are usually prohibited from contacting you at unreasonable hours, such as before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM, unless you explicitly agree to it. Repeated, relentless phone calls intended to annoy or pressure you—sometimes multiple times a day—may also be considered harassment.

2. Use of Threats or Profane Language

Threatening physical violence, using offensive language or attempting to scare you into payment through intimidation tactics is against the law. Collectors must communicate with professionalism and protect your dignity.

3. Misrepresentation and False Statements

Some debt collectors engage in deception, posing as attorneys, government officials or representatives of organizations they are not affiliated with. False threats of imprisonment or legal consequences for non-payment also fall into this category of harassment.

4. Improper Legal Threats

Collectors often make empty threats about filing lawsuits, garnishing wages or seizing property to frighten consumers into compliance. Such threats are illegal, particularly if they have no legal basis or intent behind them.

5. Contacting Third Parties About Your Debt

While a debt collector is permitted to contact others to locate you, they are not allowed to disclose your debt to your family, friends or employer. Spreading your private financial information is both abusive and unlawful.

6. Failure to Respect Legal Representation

If you have an attorney representing you, debt collectors are required to communicate directly with the attorney—not you. Ignoring this protocol and continuing to contact you directly is a violation of the law.

7. Collection of Non-Owed Debts or Inflated Fees

Some collectors attempt to recover debts that you do not owe or add unauthorized fees and charges to your repayments, both of which are illegal practices.

Protect Yourself and Take Action

Debt collection harassment can leave individuals feeling helpless and vulnerable. But you don’t have to face this alone. The Liblang Law Firm P.C. is here to guide you, protect your rights and help you take decisive action against abusive debt collectors. If you believe you’ve been the victim of debt collection harassment, contact us today. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and identify the best possible path forward.