Debt Collection: Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects you from abusive debt collectors. The law covers third-party debt collectors (as opposed to original creditors) and prohibits a number of practices. Illegal practices include:

• Calling before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. in your time zone
• Calling you at work if you’ve told the debt collector that you’re not allowed to get calls at work
• Calling multiple times per week
• Contacting you after you’ve sent the debt collection agency a cease and desist letter
• Using abusive or profane language
• Revealing your debt information to third parties
• Threatening to take you to court when the agency has no intention of doing so
• Threatening you with criminal action
• Misleading you about the type, amount, or legal status of a debt
• Trying to collect more than is owed
• Contacting you after the debt collection agency is informed that you are represented by an attorney
• Failing to send a written notice within five days of first contacting you

All too often, debt collectors count on the fact that consumers don’t understand their rights under the law, and engage in outrageous behavior designed to intimidate and embarrass you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act enables you to sue a debt collector and recover up to $1,000.

Lemberg & Associates has represented thousands of consumers in cases against debt collection agencies. If you have experienced debt collector harassment, complete the form to the right for a free case evaluation. For more information on debt collectors and your rights, visit Lemberg & Associates’ fair debt website, www.StopCollector.com.

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