Moon Twp, PA (PressExposure) June 22, 2009 -- First, debt collection agencies acting in accordance with the law take the following steps to ensure that the debtor is not being sued fraudulently -
1. They provide written notices of the amount of the debt and the name of the creditor within 5 days of the original communication;
2. They will notify the debtor that he has the right to dispute the debt within 30 days (after which it is assumed to be valid);
3. They must provide a copy of the judgment if there is one and the name and address of the original creditor;
4. Each communication must contain the notice that any information obtained will be used for collection;
5. They must cease communication if asked to do so in writing.
Collection agencies will also communicate with you appropriately and respect your privacy -
1. They will not communicate with you at any unusual time or place without permission from the creditor;
2. Contact the debtor if he is represented by an attorney, if they can contact the attorney;
3. Contact the debtor at his/her place of employment if the employer forbids it;
4. State to any third person that the debtor owes a debt;
5. Communicate by postcard;
6. Use any language or symbol on the outside of an envelope indicating a debt is owed;
7. Harass the debtor