What is Regulation F? New debt collection laws affect you, even if you're not currently in debt. When a debt collector calls, not only should you know the rules that govern them, but also realize that your actions could affect whether you have to pay any money.

Time Stamps
0:00 You need to know about debt collection even if you’re not in debt
0:23 Introduction to HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm and Attorney Kaisa Janzen
0:40 How new debt collection laws protect you
1:36 Recent changes to the laws regarding debt collection
2:10 Anyone could receive a debt collection for debt that that they never owed
3:30 The original debt collection law began in 1978 before modern-day technology
4:17 How Regulation F protects you being contacted by debt collectors via text unless you approve
5:36 How the new 7-in-7 rule protects you from unwanted debt collection phone calls
8:01 What to do if you’re getting too many debt collector calls or texts
10:25 Debt collectors need to send you a validation notice within five days of contact with a tear-off sheet
11:55 What has to be on a debt validation notice
13:41 Don’t ignore a debt validation notice, but dispute it
14:32 Debt collectors can’t post anything public on your social media
16:02 Debt collectors can’t put things on your credit report without contacting you first
17:48 Other new rules debt collectors must follow
19:00 Why you shouldn’t send any money to a debt collector for an old debt
20:30 Does Regulation F apply to all debt collectors?
22:00 Debt collectors will not inform seniors of their rights
22:19 How to contact the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm for free legal help

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted in 1978, but gets tweaked occasionally. The latest round of changes, known as Regulation F, gives new rules around
cell phones, email, social media and more modern innovations. For example, Regulation F prohibits any debt collector from making more than 7 phone calls to a consumer in 7 days, if a consumer cannot be contacted. If the consumer can be contacted, and a phone conversation occurs, the debt collector cannot attempt to call the consumer again until seven days have passed from the day of the conversation.

Whether you're in debt, or have never borrowed a cent, you need to know the recent changes in the laws regarding debt collection. Why? Because debt collectors may come after you even if it wasn't your debt to begin with! Just sharing the same name as someone else may get you harassed by debt collectors, and seniors can be especially vulnerable to debt collector intimidation.

Kaisa Janzen is the Assistant Director of the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm which helps low-income seniors and others who are struggling financially. In this video, the attorney will explain how new laws protect you, including:

How often can debt collectors call?
How your credit report is protected
How your social media is protected
How your email is protected
What is the 7 in 7 rule?

You'll also learn why you shouldn't ignore a debt collector, what not to say to them, why you shouldn't send them even a nickel without knowing the consequences of your actions, and where you can get free legal help.

Jeff Hoyt is SeniorLiving.org’s Editor-in-Chief.

To learn why seniors don't need to worry about old debts, watch    • Why Seniors Shouldn't Worry about Old...  

For how to deal with debt collectors, watch    • Why Seniors Shouldn’t Worry about Deb...  

Learn how to master the debt collection process by watching    • Master the Debt Collection Process  

To learn how seniors can avoid paying taxes, watch    • How Seniors can Avoid Paying Taxes......  

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To contact the HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm, call 1-855-435-7787 or visit helpsishere.org.