economy
February 14, 2026
Debt collection practices borrowers should watch for now
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TL;DR
- Debt collectors must adhere to legal boundaries; harassment, threats, and deceptive tactics are illegal.
- Illegal practices include contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., threatening arrest, or discussing your debt with unauthorized third parties.
- Collectors must provide debt validation within five days and cannot use obscene language or make personal insults.
- Impersonating attorneys or government officials is an illegal tactic to intimidate borrowers.
- Borrowers have rights, including the right to dispute debts, request validation, and send a cease communication letter.
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