Both Illinois and Federal laws protect the public from annoying and disruptive unsolicited phone calls. For example:

• Telephone solicitations are prohibited before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• There are also Federal and Illinois laws that apply to debt collectors, but debt collectors may call someone who has fallen behind in making payments on a credit card, loan, mortgage or other debts.

Debt collectors:

• May not contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you have given them permission to do so
• May contact you at work unless they are aware that your employer disapproves of such contact

You have the right to contact the collection agency in writing to request that it stop contacting you. Once the agency receives your letter, it may not contact you again except to notify you that some specific action will be taken.

These laws are meant to protect you. They do not forgive any legitimate debt you may owe.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association.