What constitutes harassment under Texas debt collection law?

• A. Contacting a consumer only during normal business hours
• B. Conduct intended to oppress, abuse, or nag a consumer to extract payment, including threats, obscene language, or repeated calls; plus misrepresentation or other abusive tactics
• C. Sending a single reminder letter
• D. Offering a payment plan

Answer: (B)

Harassment in Texas debt collection law is about behavior that aims to pressure a consumer to pay through oppressive or abusive tactics. It focuses on how the collector acts rather than just the fact they’re trying to collect. The description that fits best covers conduct intended to oppress, abuse, or nag a consumer to extract payment, including threats, obscene language, or repeated calls; and it also includes misrepresentation or other abusive tactics. In other words, if the collector uses intimidation, foul language, constant calling, or false statements to pressure someone to pay, that crosses the line into harassment and is prohibited.

Context helps: this protection is part of laws that bar debt collectors from using harassing or abusive practices, emphasizing that legitimate collection attempts should be professional and truthful. By contrast, normal contact within reasonable hours, a single reminder letter, or offering a payment plan are not harassment when done properly.