QUICK ANSWER
Debt collectors may call you at work, but generally must stop if they know your employer prohibits debt calls or you inform them that calls during work hours are inconvenient and disruptive. They also generally cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time and may violate federal law if they make repeated or harassing calls.
Understanding Debt Collection Communications
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates how covered debt collectors communicate with consumers. It generally applies to third-party collectors and certain debt buyers. State laws may provide additional protections.
Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work?
Yes, debt collectors can call you at work, but usually not if they know the communication is inconvenient or your employer prohibits it.
When Collection Calls to Your Workplace May Be Allowed
A workplace call may be allowed when the collector has no reason to know the call is inconvenient or prohibited by your employer.
When Debt Collectors Must Stop Calling You at Work
A collector should stop workplace calls after learning they are prohibited by your employer or inconvenient for you.
How to Request That a Debt Collector Stop Contacting You at Work
Tell the debt collector not to contact you at work, inform them why (the calls are prohibited, inconvenient, and disruptive), and provide another way to reach you. Consider making the request in writing to create a record.
Can Debt Collectors Call You Late at Night?
No, debt collectors cannot call you late at night. Calls after 9 p.m. are prohibited.
Federal Limits on Calling Hours
Unless circumstances indicate otherwise, debt collectors generally may not contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time at your location.
What Times Are Generally Considered Inconvenient?
Anytime before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is generally considered an inconvenient time for debt collector calls.
Repeated or Excessive Calls
Debt collectors cannot call repeatedly to harass or annoy you. Typically, more than seven calls in seven days regarding the same debt, or a call within seven days after discussing that debt by phone, may violate Regulation F of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
What the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) Says About Collection Calls
The FDCPA prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices, including harassment, threats, improper third-party communications, and certain inconvenient calls. It also places other restrictions on debt collection calls and communications.
Other Restrictions on Debt Collector Communications
Harassing or Abusive Phone Calls
Collectors cannot use threats, obscene or abusive language, or repeated communications intended to harass or abuse a consumer. This includes threats of arrest and criminal charges.
Calls to Family Members, Friends, or Coworkers
Collectors typically cannot discuss your debt with coworkers, family, friends, or other unauthorized third parties. Limited contact with another person may be permitted to obtain location information.
Calls After a Written Request to Stop Contacting You
If you send a qualifying written request telling a debt collector to stop communicating with you, the FDCPA usually requires communications to stop.
Signs a Debt Collector May Be Violating the Law
Possible violations include prohibited workplace or late-night calls, harassment, threats, deception, or improper disclosure of your debt.
What to Do if a Debt Collector Calls You at Work or Late at Night
Document the Communications
Save calls, messages, and other communications, including dates and times. Request the caller’s name and employee number (if applicable), and make detailed notes about what was said by each of you, including any requests you make to stop calling.
Request Communications in Writing
Identify inconvenient communications and consider putting your request in writing.
Submit a Formal Complaint
Report suspected violations to the CFPB or FTC.
Speak With a Consumer Protection Attorney
An attorney can assess potential federal or state-law violations, and if you inform and debt collector that you’re represented by an attorney and provide contact information for your attorney, the debt collector must generally stop contacting you directly.
Potential Remedies for Illegal Debt Collection Practices
Consumers who successfully bring an FDCPA claim may recover actual damages, up to $1,000 in statutory damages, and potentially attorney’s fees and costs. State laws may provide additional remedies.
How an Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights
A debt collection harassment attorney can review the conduct, preserve evidence, communicate with the collector, and evaluate potential claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can debt collectors legally call me at work?
Yes. However, once the collector knows your employer prohibits such communications, they generally cannot contact you there going forward.
What should I do if a debt collector keeps calling my workplace?
Tell the collector workplace calls are prohibited or inconvenient, and back it up by sending notice in writing.
Can my employer stop debt collectors from calling me at work?
Yes. If your employer prohibits such communications and the collector knows that, the collector generally cannot contact you there.
What time of day can debt collectors legally call?
Typically, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time, unless another time is known to be inconvenient.
Are debt collectors allowed to call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.?
Generally, no, unless you have agreed to different contact times or another applicable exception exists.
How many times can a debt collector call me in one day?
Federal law does not set a simple daily maximum. However, regulation F of the FDCPA has a prohibition against more than seven-calls-in-seven-days for the same debt and restricts calling again within seven days once they’ve made contact (including talking to you on the phone or leaving you a voicemail).
Can a debt collector leave voicemails at my workplace?
Potentially, but the message must comply with privacy and communication restrictions.
Can debt collectors talk to my coworkers about my debt?
No. Collectors ordinarily cannot disclose your debt to coworkers.
How do I tell a debt collector to stop calling me at work?
Clearly inform the debt collector that workplace calls are prohibited or inconvenient and consider making the request in writing.
What are my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, unfair, harassing, and certain inconvenient collection communications.
Can I sue a debt collector for calling me at work or late at night?
Potentially. Whether you have a claim depends on the situation and if the collector violated the law.
What damages may be available for illegal debt collection calls?
Possible FDCPA remedies include actual damages, statutory damages of up to $1,000 in an individual action, and potentially attorney’s fees and costs.
Should I contact a lawyer if a debt collector is harassing me?
Yes. Consider an attorney if calls continue, involve harassment or threats, or may violate the law.