Illegal Debt Collection Lawyer, Texas & Alabama
Harassed by a Debt Collector?
What can I do if a debt collector is harassing me?
In general, debt collectors are allowed to ask you to pay, but federal law strictly limits how they do it. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692, generally bars third-party collectors from harassing, threatening, or misleading you, and if a collector crossed the line, you may be owed money even if you actually owed the underlying debt. The rules have exceptions and every situation is different, so it’s worth having an attorney review what happened to you.
What debt collectors generally can’t do
Under the FDCPA, collectors generally may not:
- Call repeatedly or at unreasonable hours
- Use threats, profanity, or other harassment
- Contact you at work after you’ve told them to stop
- Lie about how much you owe or what will happen if you don’t pay
- Threaten arrest, lawsuits, or garnishment they can’t or won’t pursue
- Discuss your debt with your family, employer, or neighbors
- Keep contacting you after you’ve asked them in writing to stop
This is a general overview, not a complete list, and some rules apply differently to original creditors than to third-party collectors.
What can I recover?
Where a collector violated the FDCPA, you may be entitled to statutory damages of up to $1,000, plus any actual damages and your attorney’s fees and costs. Whether and how much you can recover depends on the facts, so this is a general statement rather than a prediction about your case.
What should I do?
Generally, write down every contact, dates, times, numbers, and what was said, and save voicemails, letters, and texts. Never ignore a lawsuit or court papers; those carry strict deadlines. Then have the details reviewed by a lawyer.
How John C. Hubbard, LLC helps
John C. Hubbard, LLC helps consumers across Texas and Alabama hold abusive debt collectors accountable under the FDCPA. We review what happened at no cost and, where a collector broke the law, pursue the damages and fees available.
Reviewed by John C. Hubbard, Attorney, admitted in Alabama (2008) and Texas (2018), John C. Hubbard, LLC. Last updated June 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, the rules have exceptions, and deadlines vary, so nothing here is a promise about your case. Reading this or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, have it reviewed by a licensed attorney.
Written by John C. Hubbard, attorney admitted in Alabama (2008) and Texas (2018).