The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from harassment, abuse, and unfair practices by third-party debt collectors. Enacted in 1977, the FDCPA sets strict guidelines on how debt collectors can communicate with consumers and prohibits deceptive or abusive collection tactics.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors CANNOT:
- Harass or threaten you with violence, obscene language, or repeated calls.
- Call you at unreasonable hours (before 8 AM or after 9 PM) without permission.
- Contact your family, friends, or workplace about your debt.
- Lie about the amount you owe or falsely claim legal action has been taken against you.
- Continue contacting you after you request, in writing, that they stop.
If a debt collector violates your rights under the FDCPA, you may be entitled to damages of up to $1,000 per violation, plus legal fees.
At Vantix Law, we fight to protect consumers from unlawful debt collection practices. If you’re experiencing harassment or unfair treatment from a debt collector, contact us today for a free consultation.
