The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act governs collection agencies and bill collectors in all 50 states. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive, unfair, and deceptive collection tactics.
Many states have their own fair debt collection laws as well. Some of these laws mirror the FDCPA. However, some offer more protection to consumers by, for example, covering creditors as well as collectors, specifying more types of behavior that violate state law, or providing for additional types of damages. Below you can learn about the fair debt collection laws in various states.
What Is the California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits debt collectors and creditors from using unfair, deceptive, or harassing behaviors.
Colorado Fair Debt Collection Laws
Colorado prohibits debt collectors and creditors from using abusive and unconscionable tactics while collecting debts.
Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act
The Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act prohibits both debt collectors and creditors from using deceptive and abusive tactics in collecting debts.
Georgia Fair Debt Collection Laws
The Georgia Industrial Loan Act regulates debt collection of consumer loans less than $3,000.
Illinois Collection Agency Act
The Illinois Collection Agency Act requires debt collectors to obtain a license and regulates how they communicate with debtors.
Federal law and New York’s Consumer Credit Fairness Act protect consumers from abusive debt collection lawsuits.
Washington Collection Agencies Law
The Washington Collection Agencies Law requires that debt collectors be licensed and bonded and prohibits certain types of activities.
What Is the California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is California's main debt collection law.