What are some of the most common violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed in Washington in 1977 to protect consumers from abusive practices used by debt collectors. The FDCPA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state governments, as well as by individuals who file private lawsuits in state court. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common violations of the FDCPA are: 1. Harassing or abusive tactics: Debt collectors can not harass or abuse you by using threats, profane language, or repeated phone calls. 2. False or misleading communication: A debt collector can not misrepresent the amount, terms, or status of a debt. 3. Unfair practices: A debt collector can not threaten to take any action that is not permitted by law, such as suing you in a distant court or garnishing your wages. 4. Unauthorized disclosure of your debt information: A debt collector can not disclose information about your debt to a third-party, such as to a family member or an employer, without your written consent. 5. Unconscionable collection fees: A debt collector can not charge a fee to collect a debt that is not authorized by your original agreement with the creditor or a state law. It is important to know your rights as a consumer and to remain vigilant when dealing with debt collectors. The FDCPA is in place to protect you from unfair practices, so if you believe you have been a victim of any of the above violations, you should contact an attorney or the FTC to learn how to file a complaint.

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