Debt collectors must observe Texas state rules when attempting to collect a debt. Collectors can sue you, but they can’t idly threaten to do so. In other words, a collector can threaten to sue only if they actually intend to sue and are legally allowed to do so. They can never threaten you with arrest for owing money, nor can they garnish your wages unless you owe money on student loans, domestic support obligations, or back taxes. In fact, Texas has some strong rules the curtail what a debt collector can do. These rules are codified in the Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA). First, they can’t adopt abusive tactics, including: Threatening violence Obscene language Making false accusations of fraud or other crimes Threatening arrest or property seizure without required court proceedings Harassing phone calls Additionally, fraudulent collection tactics are forbidden, including: Falsifying identity Lying about the amount owed or court status Sending counterfeit court documents to the debtor Hiding the identity of the creditor Misrepresenting the services rendered by the collector Misrepresenting information to wangle information