Took on a medical bill or a collector
Debt Collector Rights: What Collectors Can't Say or Do to You
A short Federal Trade Commission video on what debt collectors aren't allowed to do, from threats of arrest to calls after 9 p.m. It plays sample illegal calls and explains how to report a collector who breaks the rules.
Video by FTCvideosPublished July 18, 2017Breakdown updated September 15, 2026
“Debt Collection: Know Your Rights | Federal Trade Commission” by FTCvideos. We didn't make this video; it loads from YouTube when you press play.
What the video covers
Falling behind on bills often means hearing from a debt collector, and some collectors use threats to rush people into paying. This short Federal Trade Commission video plays examples of illegal collection calls and lists the rights people keep even when they owe more than they can handle.
The steps it walks through
- 1
It opens by noting that most legitimate debt collectors follow the rules, but some break the law.
- 2
It plays sample calls, including a threat of arrest and deportation and a threat to contact the person's employer.
- 3
It lists what collectors can't do: use abusive language, threaten violence, harass, call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., lie, or pretend to be someone they're not.
- 4
It warns that bad collectors try to catch people off guard and rush them into paying right away.
- 5
It closes by telling viewers to hang up on illegal calls and report them to the FTC.
What you can learn from it
Owing money doesn't erase your rights
The video's core message is that people keep their rights even when they owe more than they can handle.
Threats of arrest are a red flag
The FTC says collectors can't tell you that you'll be arrested, or claim they'll take legal action against you if that isn't true.
Calls have time limits
According to the FTC, debt collectors can't contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you agree to it.
Pressure to pay now is a tactic
The video warns that bad collectors create a sense of urgency to get an advantage. Slowing down leaves time to check whether the debt is real and the amount is right.
Report collectors who break the rules
The FTC says problems with a debt collector can be reported to your state attorney general's office, the FTC or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In their words
“Even if you owe more than you can handle, you still have rights.”
“They can't lie or pretend to be someone they're not.”
Keep in mind
The video is from 2017 and runs under a minute and a half, so it doesn't cover disputing a debt or responding to a lawsuit. Legitimate collectors can still sue over debts that are owed, and anyone who gets court papers should talk to a consumer attorney or legal aid office.
Medical debt basicsCommon questions
What are debt collectors not allowed to do?
According to the FTC, debt collectors can't threaten to hurt you, use obscene or profane language, contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you agree to it, or say you'll be arrested or claim they'll take legal action if that isn't true.
Source: consumer.ftc.govCan a debt collector tell other people about your debt?
Generally, no. The FTC says a debt collector can't discuss your debt with anyone but you or your spouse.
Source: consumer.ftc.govWhat happens if a debt collector files a lawsuit?
The FTC says not to ignore the lawsuit, even if you don't think you owe the debt, and to follow the deadlines in the court papers. If the court rules against someone, the collector may be able to garnish wages or take money from a bank account.
Source: consumer.ftc.govSources
By DebtCheckUSAEditorial Team. This is our summary of a video we didn't make, and nobody paid us to include it. It's one person's experience, not financial, tax or legal advice. Advertiser disclosure
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