Consumer Rights

Know your legal protections under federal debt collection law

Important Legal Notice

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal situations, consult a licensed consumer rights attorney. Many attorneys offer free consultations for FDCPA cases.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

You can demand written proof that the debt is valid and that the collector has the right to collect it.

  • Send a written validation request within 30 days of first contact
  • Collector must stop collection until they provide validation
  • Validation must include amount owed, creditor name, and proof of ownership
  • Use certified mail with return receipt for documentation

What Collectors Cannot Do

Harassment & Abuse

High Severity
  • Repeated calls intended to annoy or harass
  • Threatening violence or harm
  • Using profane or obscene language
  • Publishing your name as a debtor

False Representations

High Severity
  • Claiming to be an attorney when they are not
  • Misrepresenting the amount owed
  • Threatening arrest for unpaid debt
  • Falsely claiming to be a government agency

Unfair Practices

Medium Severity
  • Collecting more than legally owed
  • Depositing a post-dated check early
  • Contacting you by postcard
  • Adding unauthorized fees or interest

Contact Violations

Medium Severity
  • Calling outside 8 AM–9 PM hours
  • Contacting you at work after being told not to
  • Continuing contact after cease-and-desist
  • Contacting third parties about your debt

Key Federal Laws

FDCPA(1977)

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Scope: Third-party debt collectors

Penalty: Up to $1,000 per violation + actual damages

FCRA(1970)

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Scope: Credit bureaus & furnishers

Penalty: Up to $1,000 per violation + actual damages

CFPB Rule(2021)

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Reg F

Scope: All debt collectors

Penalty: Civil penalties up to $50,000/day

TCPA(1991)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act

Scope: Automated calls & texts

Penalty: $500–$1,500 per call/text

Report a Violation

If a debt collector violates your rights, you can file complaints with these agencies and potentially sue for damages.

CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

consumerfinance.gov/complaint

FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

reportfraud.ftc.gov

State Attorney General

naag.org/find-my-ag

Quick Reference: Collector Contact Rules

Allowed Hours

8 AM – 9 PM

Your local time zone

Workplace Calls

Prohibited

If you tell them not to

Validation Window

30 Days

After first contact

Cease Contact

In Writing

Certified mail recommended