Carreon & Associates: Legal Resource Center

Home English FAQs Collections-Creditors Rights Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

What Can You Do If You Believe A Debt Collector Violated The Law?

You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date you believe the law was violated. If your win, you may recover money for the damages you suffered. Court costs and attorney's fees also can be recovered. A group of people also may sue a debt collector and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector's net worth, whichever is less.

Other Fair Debt Collection Practices Act FAQs

Q: What Is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
A: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly by prohibiting certain methods of debt collection.
Q: What Debts Are Covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
A: Personal, family, and household debts are covered under the Act. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care, or for charge accounts.
Q: Who Is A Debt Collector?
A: A debt collector is any person, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others. Under a 1986 amendment to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, … More
Q: How May A Debt Collector Contact You?
A: A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or FAX. However, a debt collector may not contact you at unreasonable times or places, such as … More
Q: Can You Stop A Debt Collector From Contacting You?
A: You may stop a collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collection agency telling them to stop. Once the agency receives your letter, they may not … More
Q: May A Debt Collector Contact Any Person Other Than You Concerning Your Debt?
A: If you have an attorney, the debt collector may not contact anyone other than your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, a collector may contact other people, but … More
Q: What Is The Debt Collector Required To Tell You About The Debt?
A: Within five days after you are first contacted, the collector must send you a written notice telling you the money you owe; the name of the creditor to whom you owe … More
Q: May A Debt Collector Continue To Contact You If You Believe You Do Not Owe Money?
A: A collector may not contact you if, within 30 days after you are first contacted, you send the collection agency a letter stating you do not owe money. However, a … More
Q: What Is The Debt Collector Required To Tell You About The Debt?
A: Within five days after you are first contacted, the collector must send you a written notice telling you the money you owe; the name of the creditor to whom you owe … More
Q: May A Debt Collector Continue To Contact You If You Believe You Do Not Owe Money?
A: A collector may not contact you if, within 30 days after you are first contacted, you send the collection agency a letter stating you do not owe money. However, a … More