Legally Bound Obligation to Pay Debts Is Called
(c) Non-abusive collection methods available Effective debt collection requires means other than misrepresentation or other abusive collection practices. If a consumer owes several debts and makes a single payment to a collection agency in respect of those claims, that collection may not apply that payment to the debts disputed by the consumer and, where applicable, use that payment in accordance with the consumer`s instructions. (b) Disputed claims If the consumer notifies the collection agency in writing within the thirty days provided for in paragraph (a) of this article that the claim or part thereof is disputed or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the collection agency shall cease to collect the debt or a disputed part thereof. until the collector receives a review of the debt or a copy of a judgment or the name and address of the original creditor and a copy of that review or judgment or the name and address of the original creditor is sent to the consumer by the collection agency. Collection activities and communications that do not otherwise contravene this subchapter may continue for the 30-day period referred to in paragraph (a), unless the consumer has informed the collection agency in writing that the debt or part of the debt is disputed or the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor. Collection activities and communications during the 30-day period do not overshadow or are inconsistent with disclosure of the consumer`s right to dispute the claim or to request the name and address of the original creditor. (5) Ringing a telephone or engaging in a telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with the intent to annoy, abuse or harass a person at the number being called.