FDCPA
Federal law that regulates debt collectors. Gives consumers the right to demand validation of debts.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. §1692, is the federal law that regulates third-party debt collectors. It prohibits abusive practices, requires identification, limits when and how collectors can contact consumers, and — critically — gives consumers 30 days from initial contact to demand validation of the debt (§809(b)).
FDCPA §809(b) requires the collector to produce documentation proving the debt is owed, in the amount claimed, by the consumer being contacted. If the collector can't or doesn't, they must cease collection efforts. Many collectors fail this test, especially for old or sold debt.
FDCPA applies to third-party collectors only — original creditors collecting on their own debt are not subject to FDCPA, though they're subject to FCRA reporting rules.
Also called
Related terms
A consumer's right under FDCPA §809(b) to demand a collector produce documentation proving the debt.
A debt that has been turned over to a collection agency, typically appearing as a separate account on credit reports.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. §1681 — federal law governing how credit reporting works.
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