If a debt collector is flooding your phone with calls, threatening legal action, or trying to shame you into paying a debt, there’s a good chance they’re not just being aggressive—they’re breaking the law.

At **R23 Law,** our **California Consumer Protection Attorneys** help consumers fight back using the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and California’s Rosenthal Act. Just because you owe a debt doesn’t mean you give up your right to dignity, privacy, or peace of mind.

Debt Collection Harassment: Still the FTC’s #1 Complaint

Debt collectors are one of the top sources of consumer complaints nationwide. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 850,000 complaints were filed in a single year—mostly for illegal collection practices.

The truth is, most people don’t even know their rights under federal or California law. That’s why these tactics are so common—and so dangerous.

10 Debt Collection Practices That Are 100% Illegal

If a debt collector is doing any of the following, they’re breaking the law—and you may be entitled to damages:

1. Calling Repeatedly to Annoy or Harass You

There's no legal limit to how many times they can call—but when it becomes excessive, it's harassment. Track call times and frequency.

2. Threatening You With Jail, Lawsuits, or Wage Garnishment

Collectors can’t bluff about legal consequences they’re not authorized to take.

3. Failing to Send a Written Validation Notice

They must send you written proof of the debt within 5 days of first contact.

4. Revealing Your Debt to Others

They can’t disclose your debt to neighbors, family, or coworkers while “trying to locate you.”

5. Calling You at Work

Once you tell them not to, they must stop or face legal consequences.

6. Using Profanity or Obscene Language

Verbal abuse is never allowed, no matter the size of the debt.

7. Refusing to Verify a Disputed Debt

You have the right to dispute a debt in writing—and they must stop contacting you until they verify it.

8. Calling Too Early or Too Late

Collectors can’t legally call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time.

9. Ignoring Written Requests to Stop Contact

Once you send a formal request, they must comply—or face penalties.

10. Threatening Physical Harm or Violence

Any kind of threat of violence is illegal and must be reported immediately.

How to Protect Yourself (and Make Them Pay)

If a debt collector is using any of these tactics, don’t ignore it. The law allows you to:

Sue for actual damages, such as emotional distress or lost wages
Collect statutory damages up to $1,000 under the FDCPA
Recover attorney’s fees—you pay nothing unless we win

At R23 Law, we use both federal and California law to stop illegal collection activity and hold violators accountable. Many cases settle quickly—often with cash compensation to our clients.

Contact R23 Law: California’s Debt Harassment Legal Team

You don’t have to suffer repeated calls, threats, or intimidation over a debt. If collectors crossed the line, it’s time to fight back.

📞 Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorney. We’ll tell you if what’s happening is illegal—and if so, we’ll make them stop and pay for the damage they’ve done.

CROSSED THE LINE — 10 Illegal Debt Collection Tactics You Don’t Have to Tolerate