-publish a list of consumers who refuse to pay their debts (except to a credit bureau);

-use obscene or profane language;

-repeatedly use telephone to annoy someone;

-telephone people without identifying themselves;

-advertise your debt.

False statements. Debt collectors may not use any false statements when collecting a debt. For example, debt collectors may not:

-falsely imply that they are attorneys or government representatives;

-falsely imply that you have committed a crime;

-falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit bureau;

-misrepresent amount of your debt;

-misrepresent involvement of an attorney in collecting a debt;

-indicate that papers being sent to you are legal forms when they are not;

-indicate that papers being sent to you are not legal forms when they are.

Debt collectors also may not state that:

-you will be arrested if you do not pay your debt;

-they will seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages, unless collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so;

-actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against you, which legally may not be taken, or which they do not intend to take.

Debt collectors may not:

-give false credit information about you to anyone;

-send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency when it is not;

-use a false name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices in attempting to collect a debt. For example, collectors may not:

-collect any amount greater than your debt, unless allowed by law;

-deposit a post-dated check prematurely;

-make you accept collect calls or pay for telegrams;

-take or threaten to take your property unless this can be done legally;

-contact you by postcard.

What control do you have over payment of debts?

If you owe more than one debt, any payment you make must be applied to debt you indicate. A debt collector may not apply a payment to any debt you believe you do not owe.

What can you do if you believe a debt collector violated law?

You have right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from date you believe law was violated. If you win, you may recover money for damages you suffered. Court costs and attorney's fees also can be recovered. A group of people also may sue a debt collector and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of collector's net worth, whichever is less.

Where can you report a debt collector for an alleged violation of law?

Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General's office and Federal Trade Commission. Many states also have their own debt collection laws and your Attorney General's office can help you determine your rights.

If you have questions about Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or your rights under Act, write: Correspondence Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. Although FTC generally cannot intervene in individual disputes, information you provide may indicate a pattern of possible law violations requiring action by Commission.

The first step in bankruptcy is to file a petition and schedules at clerk's office of federal bankruptcy court. Your petition must include a list of all creditors, sources and amount of income, a list of all real and personal property, and a detailed list of your living expenses. You must pay a fee (about $175) at time you file your petition. It is usually advisable to hire an attorney. Be sure to discuss your attorney fees before hand and inquire as to whether you can pay in installments. In a straightfoward proceeding, entire procedure usually takes four to six months.

If you have regular income, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a method for repaying your debt over a period of time, according to court-approved plan. The time allowed ranges from three to five years. The same Georgetown study found that average Chapter 13 debtor had unsecured debts of $20,953. To file for Chapter 13, you must file appropriate schedules and petitions with court and pay a filing fee. You must also file a proposed repayment plan. A trustee will be appointed to follow your progress, make regular payments to creditors and to provide court with necessary financial information about you.

Certain debts such as taxes, alimony and child support, student loans and some property settlements can not be discharged through bankruptcy.

Although a bankruptcy filing generally will stay on your credit report for 10 years, it need not be a permanent handicap. There are specific laws that forbid discrimination against persons who have declared bankruptcy. For example, you may not be denied a job or a driver's license just because you filed for bankruptcy. The emotional and psychological scars on you and your family may take some time to heal. You may want to seek support by contacting a professional counselor or clergy member, or discussing your feelings with a close personal friend or family member.

While bankruptcy has tarnished your credit rating, you can usually rebuild confidence from creditors. You can obtain credit if you demonstrate consistent employment record and signs of fiscal responsibility. Start by opening a savings account and obtaining a secured credit card. Make payments on time to build a positive credit profile.

While stigma related to bankruptcy has eased, declaration of bankruptcy remains a difficult and monumental decision which can be viewed as either "last resort" or a "fresh start" on a new life.