If you find yourself if in debt, then you know how debt collectors use underhanded, aggressive tactics to get you to pay your debts. Collection agencies are relentless—and in some cases, unethical. Illegal debt collection practices, from calling at inconvenient hours to using profane and abusive language, have plagued debtors for years. Some collectors have even attempted to claim a debt by pretending to be connected with state or federal authorities, using paperwork that appears to be official.

Knowing that the debt collection issue is a problem that needs oversight, lawmakers passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to prevent unfair mistreatment plaguing debtors nationwide. Under its protection, it is illegal to use collection practices that employ threats, harassment, or deceit.

Debtors sometimes spend years dealing with harassment, threats, and other forms of extortion. This behavior is harassment—there's no other word for it. People should not be subjected to constant abuse and profanity or deceit, no matter how much money they owe. Debtors have the right to file a complaint against debt collectors with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. You may even be able to sue the collection company itself.

One of bankruptcy's chief protections is putting a stop to all debt collection efforts—even the mortgage or the car. The courts know that people need to make smart financial decisions without the input of aggressive and underhanded debt collectors. It is illegal to collect a debt from someone who is filing for bankruptcy. If you're facing an army of collectors calling you day after day, bankruptcy puts a stop to that immediately.

Call a bankruptcy lawyer today to learn how they can help you fight back against your debt collectors.