-harass you. For example, they may contact you only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They must identify themselves as bill collectors. They may not use profane language or threaten you with violence. They also may not contact you at work if they know your employer disapproves.

-lie. Collectors cannot imply that they are anything but collectors. They may not suggest that you have committed a crime or that you will be arrested for nonpayment. You cannot go to jail for an unpaid debt.

-engage in unfair practices. For example, they may not threaten to take your property unless they are actually able to do it. They may not communicate with you by postcard. They may not accept a check postdated by more than five days unless you are notified in advance of when it will be deposited.

“If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except—(1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector’s further efforts are being terminated; (2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or (3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy. If such notice from the consumer is made by mail, notification shall be complete upon receipt.”