The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair debt collection practices against consumers. Examples of unlawful conduct under these standards include making false statements to or about you when seeking to collect a debt, threatening you with legal action or wage garnishment without a lawful basis to do so, threatening you with violence, using obscene language, or misrepresenting the amount you owe. Collectors also may not repeatedly call you for the purpose of annoying you, or call you after hours unless you have given them permission. Most states have also enacted consumer protection laws with similar prohibitions. Steps you can take to stop abusive debt collection practices include filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, or suing the debt collector.