Know someone who’s behind on their bills? Maybe debt collectors are calling for payment? The Federal Trade Commission’s new debt collection video can help you understand your legal rights – and may lower your stress level.  In the video, you’ll see how bad debt collectors try to get you to pay up. Bad debt collectors will say anything to get you to pay – and they’ll make it feel urgent to get you to pay immediately. But there are laws to protect you. Debt collectors:

• Can’t call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Can’t use profanity, threaten violence or harass you to pay
• May not lie or pretend to be someone they’re not
• Cannot ask you to pay a debt that doesn’t even exist
• Can’t threaten you with arrest or deportation
• Cannot tell anyone – except your spouse or attorney – about your debt

If a debt collector calls and uses any of these tactics, hang up and report it to the FTC. Remember: you have the right to be treated fairly – no matter what.

For more information go to: consumer.gov/debt.

To view the video, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

1. Ask students to summarize the steps they may take if a debt collector calls.
2. Let students make a list of danger signals of potential debt problems.

 Discussion Questions 

1. Which federal law regulates debt collection activities and protects consumers from abusive collection practices?
2. Does the law erase the legitimate debts consumers owe?