What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

The FDCPA is a law that gives consumers protection against unprofessional and harassing bill collectors. The FDCPA was enacted to:

  • Protect consumers from abusive, unfair and deceptive collection practices.
  • Provide guidance to debt collectors on avoiding practices that are abusive, unfair or deceptive.

Who is a Debt Collector?

  • The FDCPA defines a debt collector as any person who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.
  • Debt collectors are not creditors or employees collecting on their own companies debts or the debts of others that may be affiliated by common ownership.

What Debts Are Covered Under the FDCPA?

  • Personal, family and household debts are covered under the FDCPA. This includes automobiles loans, credit card debts and money owed for medical bills.