Laws prohibit certain telephone solicitations
It seems to be an accepted fact of life. You sit down to dinner with the family and the telephone rings. More often than not, it seems that the caller is a telemarketer. These unsolicited calls can be annoying and disruptive.
You should be aware that both Illinois and Federal laws prohibit telephone solicitations before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Telemarketers are also required to identify themselves with their name, the company they represent and a phone number where their company can be reached. You have the right to ask any telemarketer to put your name on a "do not call" list if you do not want them to contact you again.
There are Federal and Illinois laws which also apply to debt collectors. If you fall behind in making credit card payments or paying on a loan, mortgage or other debts, you may be contacted by a debt collector.
Debt collectors may not contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you have given them permission to do so. Debt collectors may, however, contact you at work unless they are aware that your employer disapproves of such contact. Also, 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. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.