What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that aims to protect consumers from unfair and abusive practices by debt collectors. Specifically, it seeks to protect consumers from harassment and abuse while attempting to collect unpaid debts. In California, the FDCPA applies to all debt collectors, which includes credit card companies. It prohibits debt collectors from using false, deceptive, or misleading practices in an effort to collect a debt. For example, debt collectors cannot threaten or use violence, misrepresent the debt, or give false information to credit reporting agencies. The FDCPA also limits the amount of contact a debt collector can have with the consumer. Debt collectors cannot call the consumer at odd hours, call repeatedly, or harass friends or family members. Additionally, debt collectors must provide consumers with certain information about the debt, including the amount owed, the name of the creditor, and the contact information for the creditor. The FDCPA allows consumers to dispute a debt or make a payment plan, and it also provides consumers with a right to sue for damages if the debt collector violates the law. The FDCPA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Therefore, if you believe that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

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What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

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