This is an example of legal advice. For personalized advice, please visit the harassment advice page.

According to your answers and current laws, this is not harassment. But we advise you to double-check your case with a competent lawyer.

We are sorry that you had to go through this. Remember: you are not to blame for what happened. First, we advise you to immediately share this incident with people you trust. It can be your family members, friends, or loved ones. If the situation proceeds or worsens and turns into harassment, do not wait to report it. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from engaging in offensive behavior. Actions of debt collectors are qualified as harassment if: They are calling you repeatedly or contacting you via calls, emails, or texts at an unreasonable timeThey call you more than seven times within seven consecutive daysContact you with a private message through social media unless they disclose their identity as a debt collectorThey contact you at work if your employer prohibits itThey are using obscene or profane language, using or threatening to use violenceThey are claiming you owe more than you doThey hurt or attempted to break you physically or damaged your propertyThey are claiming to be attorneys if they don't or that you'll be imprisoned or your property will be seized if you don't payThey are bringing or threatening legal action to collect a time-barred debtThey contact third parties unless they ask about your whereaboutsPlease read the following advice on how you can protect yourself:First, make sure to document all illegal behavior of a debt collector and collect letters with offensive lettersSecond, you should tell a debt collector to stop contacting you by contacting a collection agency via means of communication the agency uses for communication with consumers (for example, email). This right is granted to you by the FDCPA. You should indicate in your message that you want the collection agency to stop all communications with you or contact you in specific ways (if you only don't like to receive calls, for example). Please remember that doing so doesn't make your debt vanish. Third, if it doesn't help, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). The CFPB usually answers a submitted complaint within 15 days. You should include in your complaint the collection agency's name and address, the name of the collector, the dates and times of the conversations, and the names of any witnesses. You should also attach copies of all offending materials you received. Fourth, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can complain about a collection agency online. Fifth, if the offensive behavior of a debt collector is severe and repeated, you can consider suing the collection agency. Once you feel safe, consider paying back your debt. If you face financial difficulties, consider filing for bankruptcy. Creditors cannot attempt to collect on a debt after it has been discharged in bankruptcy, and you will no longer be liable for most debts. It is better to report the harassment to competent bodies as soon as possible. You may also refer your case to a lawyer who can help you take legal action against the harassment.
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