What Is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

Other Fair Debt Collection Practices Act FAQs

• Q: What Debts Are Covered?
  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
• Q: What Types Of Debt Collection Practices Are Prohibited?
  A: Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse any person. For example, debt collectors may not: falsely imply that they are attorneys or government … More