FDCPA violations
A single provable violation can be worth $1,000 plus attorney's fees. Track and screenshot everything.
StopAndDesist is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is general information about your rights.
Harassment (§1692d)
- Repeated or continuous calls designed to annoy
- Threats of violence or criminal action
- Obscene or profane language
- Publishing a 'deadbeat list'
- Calling without meaningfully identifying themselves
False or misleading representations (§1692e)
- Falsely implying they're an attorney or government agency
- Misstating the amount, character, or legal status of the debt
- Threatening lawsuits they don't intend to file
- Falsely reporting to credit bureaus
- Using fake company names or letterhead
Stopping the violations in writing
If a collector is doing any of the above, you can tell it in writing to stop all contact. Start with a debt collector cease and desist letter, then keep a log of anything that happens after it's delivered.
Unfair practices (§1692f)
- Collecting more than the debtor legally owes
- Depositing post-dated checks early
- Threatening to seize property they can't legally take
- Communicating via postcard
- Using symbols on envelopes suggesting a debt is enclosed
Communications restrictions (§1692c)
- Contacting you at inconvenient times (before 8am or after 9pm)
- Contacting you at work after being told not to
- Contacting you after you've sent a cease letter
- Contacting anyone other than you or your attorney about the debt
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StopAndDesist provides self-help templates and is not a law firm. This page is information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Related letters, calculators, and guides
Keep going, here are the most useful pages for people who read this one.
Estimate what a debt collector owes you before you send your letter.
Core protections under 15 U.S.C. §1692.
The official channel for reporting FDCPA violations.
The general-purpose C&D template with statute citations.
Step-by-step playbook from first call to final letter.