Debt Collectors Scamming

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect debts from consumers. These practices include:

Making false or misleading statements about the debt
Threatening violence or arrest
Using profane or abusive language
Calling consumers at inconvenient times or repeatedly
Contacting consumers at their place of employment without their consent
Disclosing the debt to third parties without the consumer's consent
If a consumer believes that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, they can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

State Debt Collection Laws

In addition to the FDCPA, many states have their own laws that regulate debt collection practices. These laws may be more stringent than the FDCPA, so it is important for consumers to be aware of the laws in their state.

How to Protect Yourself from Illegal Debt Collection Practices

If you are being harassed by a debt collector, you have rights. You can:

Tell the debt collector to stop contacting you.
Send the debt collector a letter demanding that they stop contacting you.
File a complaint with the CFPB or the FTC.
Sue the debt collector in court.
If you believe that a debt collector is acting illegally, it is important to seek legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights and protect you from harassment and abuse.