Law bans harassing by debt collectors

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod Blagojevich Monday signed a new law to help protect Illinoisans from harassment calls from debt collectors.

Senate Bill 1398 limits the amount and type of contact debt collectors have with residents with debts. It prevents Illinois collection agencies from harassing people and attempting to embarrass them.

It also ensures that consumers are informed of the amount of the debt, who is owed the money, and that the debtor has the right to dispute the debt. It also requires collectors to honor a person's instruction to contact their attorney and cease collection efforts if the debtor notifies the collector that he or she will not pay the debt.

Also, if a debtor can show that he or she is the victim of identity theft, the collection efforts must stop.