The title of "debt collector" is not one that instills pleasant thoughts. The abusive conduct of some straying debt collectors is what gives all of them a negative reputation. Those that work within the rules laid out by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act do not participate in abusive conduct of clients. If you understand the provisions within the law, you will be better prepared to call a collector out on an illegal behavior.

Collectors cannot call between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am. They cannot contact you at your place of business if you inform them that your employer does not approve. If debt collectors use threats or explicit language, they are out of line. Repeated, threatening calls are strictly prohibited. Collectors are not affiliated with the government and cannot arrest you for failing to pay a debt. If they claim such, they are lying and should be reported the FTC, Attorney General office and with the BBB.

Many people get roped into an uncomfortable conversation over the phone with debt collectors. Do not let this happen to you. Politely but firmly relate to them that you will not address financial affairs over the phone, but will handle a written document if they send one. Once you have received a notice, you can implement debt validation.

Debt validation is a process in which a dispute is filed with the three major credit bureaus (Trans-Union, Experian and Equifax) against the creditor. A creditor has 30days to respond to the dispute and may not contact you during this "Validation" process.