Debt collectors, like vampires, have certain rules they must follow. For example, both are vulnerable to sunlight and garlic, but only vampires glitter when they’re playing baseball.

And unlike vampires, debt collectors aren’t allowed to lie to you. Examiner , well, examines the particulars of what debt collectors can and cannot do. One of the can nots, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, is fib:

Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. Among other false statements that are prohibited, they cannot falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives; that you have committed a crime; or represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company.

That also are prohibited from saying that you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt and saying they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so.

The article also says debt collectors can’t charge you interest or harass you, and advises that sending a certified letter to a debt collector makes it so he can no longer contact you once he’s received it other than to confirm receipt.

Either that or stock up on holy water.

Consumer 101: How to push back when the debt collector calls [Examiner]
(Photo: hagner_james)

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