What if I receive a collection notice in a language other than English?
If you receive a collection notice in a language other than English, you have certain rights and protections under California state law. The California Collection Defense Law, also known as the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA), requires collectors to send copies of all notices in the language of the original contract. This rule applies to all communications from debt collectors, including collection letters, emails, phone calls and other forms of communication. If a collector sends you a notice in a language other than English, they must either provide you with a complete translation or explain the details clearly enough that you can understand them. The RFDCPA also requires debt collectors to provide special written disclosures in a language other than English. These disclosures include details about your right to dispute the debt, how to dispute the debt, and any fees or charges related to the collection of the debt. If a debt collector fails to provide a written statement in the language of the original contract, fails to provide a complete translation, or fails to provide the required additional disclosures, they may be subject to civil penalties under the Collection Defense Law. You may be able to recover damages for losses caused by the collector’s noncompliance. You should contact a knowledgeable attorney for more information about filing a claim in California.
Related FAQs
What is a wage garnishment?What types of collection practices are illegal?
How do I appeal a court decision in a collection defense case?
Can I recover attorney’s fees if I win a collection defense lawsuit?
Can I settle a debt collection case in court?
What is collection defense law?
How do I dispute a debt in writing?
How do I determine the statute of limitations on my debt?
What types of cases does a collection defense lawyer handle?
What can I do if a debt collector has obtained a judgment against me without my consent?
Related Blog Posts
A Beginner's Guide to Collection Defense: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and How Does It Affect Your Rights? - August 7, 2023
How to Challenge Unfair Collection Tactics - August 14, 2023
Common Collection Defense Strategies that Could Help Your Case - August 21, 2023
Understand Your Rights: What You Need to Know About Collection Defense Law - August 28, 2023