What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that was established to protect consumers from the unfair and abusive practices of debt collectors. The FDCPA applies to all forms of consumer debt, including credit cards. The law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and regulates how debt collectors can communicate with consumers. Specifically, the law prohibits debt collectors from engaging in harassing, oppressive, or abusive activities. For example, debt collectors cannot use obscene language, contact consumers at unreasonable times, or threaten consumers with legal action. The FDCPA also requires debt collectors to provide certain information to consumers, such as the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and the consumer’s right to dispute the debt. Additionally, the law gives consumers the right to sue debt collectors who fail to comply with the FDCPA. In New Hampshire, the FDCPA applies to all debt collectors, including those that are hired by creditors to collect credit card debt. Under the law, creditors must follow all of the same rules and regulations as regular debt collectors.

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What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

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