I’m Being Hassled Unfairly by Bill Collectors — What Are My Rights?

July 14, 2025•3 min read

If you’re struggling with debt, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we regularly hear from Alabama residents who are dealing with aggressive, relentless, or illegal behavior by debt collectors. The good news? You have rights, and the law is on your side.

Whether the calls won’t stop, your family is being contacted, or you're facing threats or false claims, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from unfair collection tactics.

What the Law Says: You’re Not a Target

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive and deceptive collection practices. Alabama also provides additional safeguards.

Debt collectors cannot:

Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Call you at work after you’ve asked them not to
Contact your family, neighbors, or employer (except to find your location)
Threaten you with jail, violence, or lawsuits they don’t intend to pursue
Lie about the amount you owe
Use obscene or abusive language

If they violate any of these rules, you may be entitled to financial compensation—even if you do owe the debt.

Common Signs of Harassment

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to take legal action:

You receive daily or repeated phone calls
A collector refuses to give their name or company
You feel threatened, bullied, or humiliated
They continue to contact you after you’ve requested they stop in writing
You’re being charged fees that were never part of your original debt

These actions are not just unethical—they’re illegal.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Keep Records

Save voicemails, texts, and emails. Write down the date and time of each call and what was said. These details may become key evidence in a legal case.

2. Send a Written Request to Stop

You have the right to demand—in writing—that a collector stop contacting you. Once they receive your letter, they can only contact you to confirm receipt or notify you of a legal action.

3. Dispute the Debt

If you believe the debt isn’t yours or the amount is wrong, you have 30 days from initial contact to dispute it in writing. The collector must stop all collection efforts until they provide verification.

4. Know Your Rights Regarding Lawsuits

If you are sued over a debt, do not ignore it. Respond to the lawsuit, and call an attorney immediately. Many lawsuits are won by collectors simply because consumers don’t respond or show up in court.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

If a debt collector violates your rights under the FDCPA or Alabama law, you may be eligible for:

Up to $1,000 in statutory damages
Compensation for emotional distress
Coverage of attorney’s fees and court costs
Possible punitive damages in extreme cases

And no—you do not have to pay for an attorney upfront to pursue a valid harassment claim.

Let Nelson, Bryan, and Cross Help You Stand Up for Yourself

Being in debt doesn’t mean giving up your dignity. Harassment, threats, and deception from bill collectors are illegal—and you can fight back.

At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we help Alabama consumers:

Stop abusive calls
Understand their legal options
Dispute debts effectively
Recover compensation when their rights are violated

Dave Pridemore

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