Your Rights With Debt Collectors
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) has limited what debt collectors can do since 1977. In 2021, the CFPB's Regulation F filled in the details: how often they can call, what has to be in their first letter, and what they can do by text, email, and social media.
Most people being contacted by a collector have never read a word of it. The collector has. These guides close that gap.
Start with the basics: the FDCPA mostly covers third-party debt collectors — collection agencies, many debt buyers, and law firms that regularly collect debts. It generally doesn't cover your original bank or lender collecting its own debt, although some states, like California, extend similar rules to original creditors. If you're not sure which you're dealing with, read Original Creditor vs. Debt Collector first.
Start with these
FDCPA Rights: 8 Things Debt Collectors Are Legally Prohibited From Doing
The FDCPA bans calls before 8 a.m., threats of arrest, lying about the debt, telling your family, and more. Here are 8 key rules, with the law cited for each.
How to Stop Debt Collector Calls
Tell the collector in writing to stop contacting you and, once they receive it, they generally must stop (15 U.S.C.
Original Creditor vs. Debt Collector: Different Rules, Different Strategies
Debt collectors (collection agencies, many debt buyers, collection law firms) must follow the FDCPA, including validation and cease-contact rules.
All guides in this section
What Happens If You Ignore a Debt Collector?
Ignoring a collector means losing your easiest dispute rights, letting the collector's version stand on your credit report, and possibly having the debt sold.
Can a Debt Collector Contact My Employer or Family?
A collector can contact your family, friends, or employer only to find your address, home phone, or workplace — usually once — and can't tell them you owe a debt.
How to Document Debt Collector Harassment and FDCPA Violations
Knowing a collector broke the law isn't the same as proving it. Build a 7-part evidence file: call log, voicemails, letters, reports, witnesses, and costs.
Can You Sue a Debt Collector? Yes — Here's How It Works
Yes.
Do You Have to Pay a Deceased Parent's or Spouse's Debt?
Generally, no.
Fake Debt Collector Scams: How to Tell If a Collector Is Real
Real collectors must identify themselves as debt collectors and send a written validation notice with details about the debt.