The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted in 1977 to protect consumers from abusive, unfair, and deceptive practices by third-party debt collectors. The law details when and how a collector may contact a debtor. The government enforcer of the law has historically been the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but some regulatory duties may be shared with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection housed within the Federal Reserve, created in 2010. The FDCPA is a strict civil liability law, which means that a consumer need not prove actual damages in order to claim statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation plus reasonable attorney fees.

See all Topics
A binder that says "Guidelines" on the spine sitting on a desk with a pen, calculator, and open binder [Image by creator DOC RABE Media from AdobeStock]

CFPB Says its UDAAP Authority Includes Ability to Review for Discrimination; Updates UDAAP Exam Procedure

22 March 2022

Clipboard with credit report and pen [Image by creator tashatuvango from AdobeStock]

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Support U.S. Consumers With Changes to Medical Collection Debt Reporting

21 March 2022

Phone with "voice mail" text on it [Image by creator iQoncept from AdobeStock]

Court Finds Text Messages Do Not Qualify As Artificial or Prerecorded Voice Messages Under the TCPA

7 March 2022

 [Image by creator Leigh Prather from AdobeStock]

The Correct Answers to Questions about the Limited Content Message and Model Validation Notice [Video]

3 March 2022

File drawer with one folder in focus, labeled "Court Decisions" [Image by creator tashatuvango from AdobeStock]

8th Cir. Holds FDCPA Plaintiff Lacked Article III Standing in Garnishment Communication Case

24 February 2022

Arms of 5 business people holding up different colored large "quote" marks [Image by creator Sergey Nivens from AdobeStock]

Consumer Relations Consortium Comments on NYDFS Proposed Alterations to Debt Collection Rule

17 February 2022

 [Image by creator Leigh Prather from AdobeStock]

Which Regulatory Hot Buttons will Emerge in 2022?

15 February 2022

 [Image by creator bbourdages from AdobeStock]

Hunstein: Case Moves Forward; Consumer Files Final Brief Before Case is Reheard

7 February 2022

File drawer with one folder in focus, labeled "Dismissed" [Image by creator tashatuvango from AdobeStock]

Consumer is Responsible for Default Judgment; Court Dismisses Class Action Lawsuit on Standing

31 January 2022

 [Image by creator bbourdages from AdobeStock]

Hunstein: Preferred Files its Brief Addressing Standing

24 January 2022

 [Image by creator James Steidl from AdobeStock]

New CFPB Bulletin Addresses Unlawful Medical Debt Collection and Credit Reporting

18 January 2022

 [Image by creator bbourdages from AdobeStock]

Date set for Hunstein Rehearing on Standing

13 January 2022

 [Image by creator Argus from AdobeStock]

CFPB Sues United Holding Group, its Affiliates and Owners; UHG Responds, Denies Allegations

11 January 2022

A smiling anchor man delivering the news in front of a black and white world map [Image by creator Olly from AdobeStock]

Colorado Clarifies Intersection Between Regulation F and State Disclosure Requirement

21 December 2021

 [Image by creator Cla78 from AdobeStock]

Year in Review: A Comprehensive Breakdown of 2021 in the ARM Industry

16 December 2021

Small statue of lady justice [Image by creator sebra from AdobeStock]

BREAKING: 11th Circuit Vacates Hunstein; Full Panel will Rehear Case

17 November 2021

Photo of hourglass with sand all in the bottom [Image by creator Zerophoto from AdobeStock]

15 Days Until Reg F is Here! 3 Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Reg F Effective Date NOW

15 November 2021

 [Image by creator Chris Titze Imaging from AdobeStock]

11th Circuit Issues Substitute Opinion in Hunstein; Will Dissent provide Key for Defense Against Copycats?

29 October 2021

A blackboard with x's and o's depicting a football play [Image by creator yeyen from AdobeStock]

Consent vs. Preference in Reg F - Don't Confuse Them

20 October 2021

Photo of hourglass with sand all in the bottom [Image by creator Zerophoto from AdobeStock]

Without Creditor Cooperation, Debt Collectors Cannot Safely Work Accounts After November 29th

11 October 2021