Question

select the correct answer.
which of the following actions is prohibited under the fair debt collections practices act?
a. a debt collector calling a consumer multiple times in a short time frame
b. a debt collector calling a consumer at work and informing them of their outstanding balance
c. a debt collector suing a consumer for nonpayment
d. a debt collector mailing a letter to the consumers home address

Explanation:

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from engaging in harassing or deceptive practices. Calling a consumer at work and informing them of their outstanding balance can be a violation if the employer prohibits such calls or the consumer has asked not to be contacted at work. Multiple calls in a short time could be harassment, but calling at work to inform about the balance (especially if the consumer hasn't requested not to be contacted there) – however, more accurately, under FDCPA, a debt collector can't call at work if the employer's policy prohibits it or the consumer has told them not to. But among the options, option B: a debt collector calling a consumer at work and informing them of their outstanding balance is a prohibited action (as they shouldn't disclose the debt to others at work, and calling at work when not allowed is prohibited). Option A: multiple calls in a short time is harassment but the key here is that option B's action of calling at work and informing (disclosing debt in a work setting) is prohibited. Option C: suing for nonpayment is a legal action, not prohibited. Option D: mailing to home address is allowed. So the correct answer is B.

Answer:

B. a debt collector calling a consumer at work and informing them of their outstanding balance