Nobody enjoys getting calls about unpaid debts. It’s stressful, sometimes embarrassing, and often catches people off guard. But there’s a big difference between a legitimate collection agency doing its job and a predatory company trying to intimidate you into handing over money you may not even owe. Some debt collectors purchase old accounts for almost nothing and then use aggressive tactics to turn a profit. Others flat out lie about what you owe or what they can do to collect. Knowing what to watch for can save you a lot of money and a whole lot of headaches.
They Won’t Give You Written Proof
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors have to provide written verification of any debt they claim belongs to you. You’ve got 30 days from their first contact to request this documentation, and they’re legally obligated to send it. Predatory collectors will dodge that request like it’s their job. They might pressure you to pay right now, today, this minute, without showing you a single piece of paper. Or they’ll send something vague that doesn’t actually prove anything. If someone can’t or won’t verify what you supposedly owe, that’s a problem.
Tactics That Should Set Off Alarm Bells
Not every red flag is obvious. But if you’re experiencing any of these behaviors, you’re probably not dealing with a company that plays fair:
- Threatening to have you arrested or thrown in jail over unpaid debt
- Calling at odd hours, before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Refusing to tell you who they are or what company they represent
- Reaching out to your boss, your family, or your neighbors about the debt
- Using vulgar language or screaming at you
- Claiming you owe way more than the original amount with no explanation
- Insisting you pay with gift cards or wire transfers
Any one of these should make you suspicious. Several of them together? You’re almost certainly dealing with a scam or a collector who doesn’t care about following the law.
The Debt Doesn’t Ring A Bell
Ever get a call about money you supposedly owe, and you have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about? That happens more than you’d think. Predatory collectors often chase down time-barred debts. These are old accounts that have passed the statute of limitations for legal collection. In Texas, that window is four years for most consumer debts. A collector can still contact you about it, technically. But they can’t sue you once that deadline passes. Here’s where it gets tricky. Some collectors will try to get you to make even a tiny payment or simply acknowledge that you owe the money. Doing either of those things can restart the clock on the statute of limitations. So if someone’s calling about a debt from years ago that you don’t recognize, don’t say anything until you’ve had a chance to look into it.
The Calls Just Won’t Stop
You can tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. That’s your right. Once you send them a written cease and desist letter, they have to back off. The only exception is if they’re notifying you about a specific legal action they plan to take. A Cedar Hill credit lawyer can walk you through how to handle this properly and what your options are if collectors keep calling anyway. Because continued harassment after you’ve asked them to stop isn’t just annoying. It’s illegal.
They Don’t Want You Thinking Too Hard
Pressure is the name of the game for predatory debt collectors. They don’t want you to pause, review anything, or ask questions. They want you scared, confused, and reaching for your wallet. A legitimate company will give you time. They’ll let you review documentation, verify the debt, and make a decision that makes sense for your situation. They’re not going to claim you’ll be arrested within the hour if you don’t pay immediately. That kind of threat is designed to short-circuit your judgment, and it’s a huge warning sign.
You Don’t Have To Deal With This Alone
If a predatory debt collector has been making your life miserable, you’ve got options. Working with an experienced Cedar Hill credit lawyer means having someone who understands Texas and federal debt collection laws standing in your corner. At Leinart Law Firm, we help people push back against abusive collection practices, challenge debts that aren’t valid, and figure out a real path forward. If you’re being harassed or threatened over a debt, reach out and find out what steps you can take to protect yourself.
