A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person.
The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
11 See References in Text note below. The publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, except to a consumer reporting agency or to persons meeting the requirements of section 1681a(f) or 1681b(3) of this title.
The advertisement for sale of any debt to coerce payment of the debt.
Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number.
section 1692b of this title Except as provided in , the placement of telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of the caller’s identity.
Pub. L. 90–321, title VIII, § 806Pub. L. 95–10991 Stat. 877(, as added , , .)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 1681b(3) of this titlesection 1681b(a)(3) of this titlePub. L. 104–208, div. A, title II, § 2403(a)(1)110 Stat. 3009–430, referred to in par. (3), was redesignated by , , .
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
section 819 of Pub. L. 90–321Pub. L. 95–109section 1692 of this titleSection effective upon the expiration of six months after , see , as added by , set out as a note under .