What can add more stress and pressure to someone in debt are the constant calls from debt collectors. For debts that are long past due, a creditor may turn over the collection to a debt collection agency. But some agencies may use unfair debt collection practices to force a borrower to pay. What should you do if you find yourself in a similar situation?

Here are your most Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection and the answers to them. The responses are based on the rights included in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

All consumers, in one way or another, have to deal with lenders. In some cases, when a borrower fails to respond immediately or when debts are long overdue, lenders pass on the collection of debts to a debt collection agency. However, a debt collector may resort to harassment or unfair tactics to force a borrower to pay.