Being in debt can already feel overwhelming, but harassment by debt collectors adds emotional and legal stress. In Texas, both federal and state laws protect you from abusive tactics by debt collection agencies or collectors. Knowing your rights under these statutes is your first defence against unfair debt collection practices.
Legal Protections and Standards
Texas debt collection law is governed by a combination of:
1. Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—limiting how, when, and what debt collectors can communicate
2. Texas Finance Code Chapter 392—Texas adds its own rules prohibiting threats, harassment, or coercion by debt collectors or creditors
What Harassment Looks Like
- Under both federal and Texas law, prohibited collection practices include:
- Using profane, threatening, or obscene language.
- Calling repeatedly to annoy or harass.
- Contacting you at inconvenient times (i.e. before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m)
- Threatening violence, arrest, asset seizure, or false statements about your legal rights
- Misrepresenting the debt status or lying about the collector’s identity or authority
Your Rights and Remedies
1. Cease contact: You can send a written “cease communication” letter. Debt collectors must stop contacting you, except to inform you of limited actions like suing
2. File complaints: Subject collectors to liability under both the FDCPA and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. You can report actions to the Texas Attorney General’s office, CFPB, FTC, or your local district attorney
3. Lawsuit and damages: You may sue collectors in civil court for emotional distress, statutory damages, and court costs. Texas law also permits injunctive relief to stop harassment
Final Thought on Civil Protections Against Harassment by Debt Collectors
No one in Texas should endure harassment while dealing with debt. The law empowers you to assert rights against abusive collection practices, whether under federal FDCPA rules or Texas statute. If you’re being contacted at all hours, threatened, misled, or repeatedly called, The Law Office of Attorney Udo Ezeamama can help. We’ll guide you through sending cease‑and‑desist notices, filing complaints, and seeking legal damages to protect your rights and peace of mind. Schedule a consultation with us today.