FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Overview
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act · 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.
The FDCPA is the primary federal law protecting consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection. It covers harassment, false statements, calling hours, validation rights, and your right to sue a collector who violates the law.
Primary Statute
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.
The FDCPA regulates the conduct of third-party debt collectors. Key consumer rights: collectors cannot harass or abuse (§ 1692d); cannot make false or misleading representations (§ 1692e); must send written validation notice within 5 days of first contact (§ 1692g); must cease communication upon written request (§ 1692c); cannot call before 8am or after 9pm; and consumers have a private right of action for up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit (§ 1692k).
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-debt-collection-practices-act