Can a Debt Collector Call Me at Work?

Debt collectors are legally permitted to contact you at work regarding unpaid debts, but there are limitations to this practice under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). While they can call you at work, they must adhere to certain guidelines to ensure they do not engage in harassing or abusive behavior.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from calling you at work if they have reason to believe that your employer prohibits such calls or if you inform them that you are not allowed to receive calls at work. Once a debt collector is made aware of your employer’s policies or your preference not to be contacted at work, they must cease all communication with you at your workplace.

Additionally, debt collectors are restricted in the timing of their calls to your workplace. They cannot contact you at work if they know or should know that your employer does not permit personal calls during working hours. Generally, they are only allowed to contact you at work if they have been unable to reach you at home after making reasonable attempts or if you have given them permission to do so.

It’s important to note that while debt collectors can call you at work under certain circumstances, they are prohibited from disclosing the nature of their call to anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney. They cannot discuss your debt with your coworkers, supervisors, or anyone else at your workplace.

If you believe that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA by calling you at work inappropriately or engaging in harassing behavior, you have the right to take legal action. You can file a complaint with the (CFPB) or pursue a lawsuit against the debt collector for violations of the FDCPA. Additionally, you may want to seek guidance from a consumer rights attorney to understand your options and protect your rights.