§1692f Unfair Practices

Summary

Debt collectors must not use unfair or abusive ways to try to get someone to pay a debt. They also may not add or collect money that the original agreement or the law does not allow, including extra interest, fees, or costs. They may not take or mishandle postdated checks — a check dated more than five days ahead can only be accepted if the collector gives written notice that they will deposit it, and that notice must be sent no more than ten and no less than three business days before deposit. They cannot ask for postdated checks to threaten criminal charges, or deposit or threaten to deposit a postdated check before its date. They cannot hide the real purpose of calls or messages to make someone pay and charge for those calls (for example, collect phone calls or telegram fees). They must not seize or disable property without a current legal right to possess it as collateral, without a present intent to take it, or if the property is legally protected. They cannot contact a consumer about a debt by postcard, and may not put any marking on an envelope except their address; they may use a business name only if it does not show they are in the debt collection business.