Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Grant Nichols
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office

Should you ever find yourself in a situation where a debt collection company begins to call, it is helpful to know the rules regarding what actions may legally be taken against you.  The following information is a summary of the law contained within the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977.  If you feel that you are being unnecessarily harassed by a debt collector, you may want to have a conversation with your civilian attorney and your state's attorney general's office.

1. Debt collectors are prohibited by federal law from engaging in unfair, deceptive, harassing, and misleading debt collection activity. For example, a debt collector cannot threaten arrest or use obscene language.  (§ 806 and 807)

2. Debt collectors cannot contact neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers or employers regarding a debt claimed due (other than to obtain location information if truly needed). Keep a detailed log of any contact by the debt collector (date and time of call, name of person calling, etc...). (§ 805)

3. Debt collectors cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. If this is happening, keep a detailed log of any contact by the debt collector (date and time of call, name of person calling, etc...).  (§ 805)

4. You may send a "cease and desist" letter by certified mail, return receipt, if you want the debt collector to stop contacting you. Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt. (§ 805)

5. If sued, you may seek legal representation or, if proceeding on your own, respond to the complaint in the time provided in the court papers. (§ 813)

6. A debt collector is required to send written notice (usually contained in the initial letter from the debt collector) stating how much is owed on the account claimed due, the name of the current creditor, your right to request the name of the original creditor, and your right to dispute the debt and obtain verification. (§ 809)

7. If you dispute the debt or any part of the written notice, including the identity of the creditor, then send a "dispute letter" to the debt collector within 30 days of receipt of the Validation Notice. Send by certified mail, return receipt. (§ 809)

8. If you work out a payment with the debt collector, get it in writing before you pay. Make sure all terms are included in the letter, including updated credit reporting or the removal of negative credit reporting by the debt collector. (§ 809)

9. Report unlawful debt collection activity to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (www.consumerfinance.gov), the Federal Trade Commission Military Sentinel (www.ftc.gov), and your local state Attorney General's Office:

New Hampshire: http://doj.nh.gov/consumer/

Maine: http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/  

Massachusetts:http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-assistance/consumer-complaint.html

Vermont:  http://www.vermont.gov/portal/residents/index.php?id=67

10. You can sue a debt collector for engaging in unlawful collection conduct and may be entitled to damages, plus legal costs and fees. (§ 813)

Source:  https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text