Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law designed to curb abuses in the debt collection industry. The law applies to debt collectors, who are defined as persons or companies who collect debts for another. If you owe money to Smith's Marina and Mr. Smith himself or one of his employees contacts you to collect the money owed, that person is not a debt collector under the Act because they are trying to collect money due to themselves, not money due to a third party.

Generally speaking, collectors cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.They can't threaten you with arrest,bodily harm,or public exposure as a “deadbeat.”They can't imply they are connected with law enforcement.Collectors cannot harass you with repeated phone calls on the same day.They can't call you at work if you tell them you are not allowed to receive such calls at work.

Consumers may sue and collect damages and attorneys'fees for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (It may be found at 15 USC §1601 and subsequent sections.) You must file suit within one year of the violation.