Creditor Harassment in Texas: Understanding Your Rights

Creditor harassment occurs when creditors or debt collectors engage in abusive or harassing tactics to collect debts from consumers. In Texas, debtors are protected by both federal and state laws that prohibit unfair debt collection practices. Here’s what you need to know about creditor harassment and your rights:

Examples of Creditor Harassment:

Excessive Calls: Constant or repeated phone calls intended to annoy, abuse, or harass debtors.

Threats: Threatening legal action, arrest, or harm to the debtor or their property.

False Statements: Misrepresenting the amount owed, the consequences of non-payment, or posing as a government official or attorney.

Contacting Third Parties: Contacting a debtor's family, friends, or employer about the debt (except to obtain contact information).

Your Rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):

The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. In Texas, it prohibits debt collectors from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive tactics, including:

Limits on Communication: Debt collectors cannot contact debtors at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless the debtor agrees.

Cease Communication: Debtors have the right to request that debt collectors cease communication entirely or only communicate through their attorney.

Verification of Debt: Debtors have the right to request verification of the debt within 30 days of receiving a written notice.