NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 05/11/10 -- NationalRelief.com, one of the country's largest and most reputable debt resolution companies, has added information on their website regarding The Fair Debt Practice Act. The 1978 law was passed to protect all consumers from abusive practices by debt collectors, yet the Federal Trade Commission reports that it still receives more complaints about debt collectors than any other industry sector.

The Fair Debt Practice Act (FDCPA) sets clear guidelines for debt collectors. The average American consumer has fallen behind in paying back unsecured credit debts and unprecedented numbers are joining debt settlement, debt consolidation and debt help programs. Many have never been in a position before to receive calls from collectors and many don't know that they do have rights.

The FDCPA sets forth rules for behavior for debt collectors, and it also describes solutions as well as penalties for any violations. When interacting with consumers, these rules must be adhered to at all times.

• Debt collectors have to phone within specific hours. Prior to 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. constitutes harassment as does repeated calling.
• They may not call a consumer at work or on Sundays.
• They may not use threats of violence or harm of any type, use profane language or publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts. They are allowed to provide the information to credit reporting companies.
• Debt collectors are not allowed to make false statements, misrepresent amounts owed, claim they are government or legal representatives, or claim the consumer has committed a crime.
• They may not say a consumer will be arrested for non-payment of a debt; they cannot garnish wages or seize property unless permitted by law.
• Debt collectors may not give out any false information about consumers, including to credit reporting companies.
• The use of false names when contacting a consumer is prohibited.
• Contacting third parties, such as an employer, relative or neighbor, is forbidden.
• They may not request post dated checks.
• If a debt collection agency does sue, it must be near the consumer's place of residence -- not in another region.

The Fair Debt Practice Act does not protect consumers from being sued, but its many rules do protect during the time of debt collection processes.

For information on this news release, contact nationalrelief.com, which maintains its own consumer advocacy network along with arranging debt resolutions. The company not only works with consumers toward debt help and debt settlement, it will also monitor calls if violations are noticed. If you need assistance, call 1 (888) 703-4948.

Nationalrelief.com is one of the country's largest and most reputable debt resolution companies. With specialty in all aspects of debt help, it is accredited by The Association of Settlement Companies, United States Organization for Bankruptcy Alternatives and the IAPDA -- International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.