What rights does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act give me?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects North Carolina consumers from any abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection practices. It applies to personal, family, and household debts, such as credit card bills, medical expenses, and car loans. The FDCPA grants you certain rights when it comes to dealing with a debt collection agency. First, debt collectors must clearly identify themselves when contacting you, and they must be courteous and professional. They must also state the amount of the debt and provide you with a validation notice that outlines the debt amount, when it was incurred, and the legal basis for collecting the debt. You also have the right to dispute a debt that is inaccurate or unverifiable with the collector, and the collector must cease collection activities until they provide proof that the debt is accurate and verifiable. You also have the right to ask for further information about the debt, such as when it was incurred, who is collecting it, and the legal basis for doing so. Additionally, a debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 am or after 9 pm, or during times of the day that you have informed the collector are inconvenient. Finally, debt collectors are prohibited from harassing or intimidating you when trying to collect the debt. They cannot threaten violence, use profane or obscene language, publish your name on a “blacklist,” or call repeatedly in order to harass you. If you believe your rights under the FDCPA have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or sue the debt collection agency in state or federal court.

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What rights does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act give me?

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