FDCPA Facts
Passed in 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is one of the strongest consumer-protection laws in the United States.
Who it protects
Any consumer being contacted about a personal, family, or household debt by a third-party collector. It does not cover the original creditor collecting its own debt.
Key prohibitions
- Calls before 8am or after 9pm local time
- Contact after a written cease request
- Discussing your debt with anyone else
- False, deceptive, or misleading statements
- Threats of violence, arrest, or criminal prosecution
- Repeated calls intended to annoy or harass
Damages you can recover
Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit, plus actual damages (lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress) and reasonable attorney's fees.
Statute of limitations
One year from the date of the violation to file a federal lawsuit. Some states allow longer under their own consumer-protection statutes.
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