 TITLE: How to Deal With Debt Collectors CONTENT: Understand Your Rights\n----------------------\nA powerful federal law to become familiar with when communicating with debt collectors is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). It regulates the way collectors can behave when contacting you, so it's a good idea to remind them that you know what can be said and done. Abusive, unfair and deceptive practices are illegal. Among the many restrictions, debt collectors can't:\n*   Threaten you with harm, use obscene language or lie (for example, tell you they will sue you when they don't have any intention to do so)\n*   Call repeatedly\n*   Try to add on fees or interest to the debt unless it's stipulated in the original contract or permitted by state law\n*   Deposit a postdated check early\n*   Take or threaten to take your property (unless it can be done legally)\nIf a debt collector is not following the rules, submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general. END