If you have serious credit problems, you may be past the talking stage. A collection agency may already be at your door. You should know that you have a number of rights in this situation, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

• Collectors may not harass or abuse you.
• Collectors may not lie to you or use false statements.
• Collectors may not engage in unfair practices.
• They are not permitted to contact you at unreasonable hours, unless you agree to be contacted at those times.
• They must send you a written notice telling you the amount you owe.
• If you send collectors a written denial of the debt, they may not contact you until they provide you with proof of the debt.
• If you have an attorney, the collection agency cannot contact anyone other than the attorney to obtain information about you.
• Collectors do have the right to contact you, at reasonable hours, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax.
• If a collector has violated the law, you have the right to sue. The lawsuit must commence within one year of the cause for action.