Collection Company

My husband and I have a charge card that we owe on. We've made payments when we had the extra money to do so since our income has changed dramatically and we are still trying to support our family. The last payment we sent was returned to us becuase our account was sold off. We have started receiving phone calls from this company and we have tried to explain what our situation is and they are showing no interest in working with us, they just want the account paid in full ($5,000). They have started calling our neighbors, family, in-laws of family members and former-in laws of a family member even while we are still in contact with them. They will not accept ANY payment but full payment on the account. They have threatened to put a lien on our home and vehicles if we do not pay in full. I'm not opposed to paying the bill and I don't dispute the bill we just can't afford to pay it in full. They are VERY aggressive and threatening each time we have talked with them and they have appeared the same way to everyone that they have called regarding our account. Is this legal? Is it harrassment? What options do I have? We are not in a position to get a loan (we've tried) and we have no family members that we are able to borrow money from to settle this debt. Thank you.

Informing third parties about your debt is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as is threatening to put a lien on your house if a judgment hasn't already been entered against you. What State are you located in? And what State is the debt collector located in?

I am in Indiana and the company is in New York.

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I suggest contacting an attorney either in Indiana or New York. The lawyer should be familiar with the FDCPA. Feel free to contact me, if you wish. I may be able to assist you.