dealing with collection agency's

there are NO laws pertaining to this. However, you may not have the option NOT deal with a collection agency. Collection agencies are hired under contract by the creditor for a specific period of time. Sure you can cease and desist them but that does not stop the creditor from immediately re-assigning you to another collection agency or moving forward with legal action.

You can try, the laws haven't changed. It really depends on the collection agency's relationship with the original creditor. If the collection agency has bought the account, then the collection agency is now your creditor and you'll have to deal with them. So I suggest you first find out the relationship between the creditor and the collection agency, then send the creditor a cease and desist letter like the one in the DIY section.

I would suggest calling the original creditor, and ask them if the collection agency who contacted you are collecting on their behalf, or do they OWN the debt. I did this for a friend of mine and the original creditor was BO of A, they informed me the debt was being collected on their behalf. Just sayin, it may be worth a try if you are trying to figure out which direction to go!