What are the federal laws governing debt collection?

In Washington, the federal laws governing debt collection are the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). The FDCPA is a federal law that regulates the practices of debt collectors who collect debts from consumers. It protects consumers from unfair and abusive practices, including harassment and threats of legal action. The FCBA is a federal law that protects consumers from unfair credit billing practices. Among other things, it requires creditors to investigate and respond to disputes about billing errors and unauthorized charges. The FDCPA also includes provisions related to credit card dispute resolution. It prohibits debt collectors from taking certain actions in connection with a dispute, such as contacting the consumer with false or misleading information, or threatening to take legal action when they cannot. Additionally, debt collectors must provide consumers with a written notice that they can dispute the debt in writing if they disagree with the amount or accuracy of the debt. In Washington, consumers have the right to file a complaint against a debt collector who has violated the FDCPA or FCBA. If the consumer believes they have been treated unfairly, they should contact the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or their State Attorney General. These agencies will investigate the dispute and take appropriate action if they determine there has been a violation.

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What are the federal laws governing debt collection?

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