Illegal Debt Collection Practices
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) governs the behavior of debt collectors and debt collection agencies. It places limits on what they can do to try to collect debts from you. Unfortunately, despite the law, some bill collectors still engage in illegal debt collection practices. If the debt collector comes calling, make sure you understand what debt collection agencies can and cannot do under the law.
In this section, you can learn who the FDCPA applies to and what debt collection practices are not allowed.
Learn about changes to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that apply to modern technologies and digital communication methods, like texts, emails, voicemails, and social media.
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit based on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violations is generally one year from the time of the offense.
Learn what bill collectors can and cannot do under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Learn the difference between creditors and debt collectors for purposes of the FDCPA.
Read about the most common tactics debt collectors use on the telephone.
In some states, lenders and creditors bringing foreclosure actions must comply with the FDCPA.
Federal law limits how often and when debt collectors may call you.
Federal law prohibits a debt collector from telling a credit reporting agency about a debt before either speaking to the consumer or sending a debt validation notice and ensuring it's delivered.
As of November 30, 2021, debt collection notices must give additional information and disclosures to consumers.
As of November 30, 2021, debt collectors must comply with additional restrictions under changes to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Here's what you can do if a debt collector harasses you or otherwise violates the law when trying to collect a debt from you.
If a bill collector violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you may be able to sue and recover money and other damages.
If debt collectors violate the law, you can sue them. Learn how to find a lawyer to help you.
If, after you file for bankruptcy, a creditor continues its collection actions against you, the creditor may be violating bankruptcy's automatic stay.
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) restricts certain types of debt collector calls.
Find the answer here.
In most cases, if a debt collector calls you after 9:00 p.m., the collector is in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Federal law limits how often and when debt collectors may call you.
Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Online Form
Demand Collection Agency Cease Contact
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
More Legal Issues
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Corporations Car Accidents Criminal Law Debt Management Disability Law Divorce & Family Law
Learn About Our Team
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Need a Lawyer? We Can Help
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Describe Your Case
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
Get Connected
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Hire an Attorney
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
Nolo Legal Dictionary
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Are You an Attorney?
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Copyright ©2025 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices