What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that was passed in 1978 to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. This act prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when collecting debt from consumers. It also requires debt collectors to provide consumers with certain information in writing about the debt. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must provide consumers with written notice of the debt, along with the amount owed, before they can contact them. Debt collectors are also prohibited from calling consumers during certain hours, could not talk about the debt with a third party, and must stop calling if the consumer asks them to. In Maryland, the FDCPA applies to liability arising from credit cards and other consumer debts. The Maryland Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is responsible for enforcing the FDCPA in Maryland. The Comptroller can assess civil penalties against debt collectors and creditors who violate this law. If you believe a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the Comptroller. In summary, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that was passed in 1978 to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. It requires debt collectors to provide consumers with certain information in writing, prohibits debt collectors from calling during certain hours, and prohibits them from discussing the debt with a third party. In Maryland, the FDCPA applies to credit card and other consumer debt and is enforced by the Maryland Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
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