Fair Debt Collection (FDCPA)

If you have unpaid medical bills or have fallen behind on payments for your credit cards, auto, or home loan — and are being pursued by a harassing debt collector or law firm — you may be entitled to relief under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

The FDCPA is a federal law that forbids debt collectors — including attorneys acting as debt collectors — from engaging in abusive, unconscionable, and unfair practices. These prohibited practices include calling your home or workplace excessively, contacting you at inconvenient times, using threatening or harassing language, and attempting to collect fees or charges not authorized by law.

Common FDCPA Violations

• Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Contacting you at work after being told not to
• Using abusive, obscene, or threatening language
• Making false statements or misrepresenting the debt
• Threatening to sue when they have no intention to do so
• Contacting third parties (family, neighbors, employers) about your debt
• Attempting to collect unauthorized fees or interest
• Failing to provide written notice of the debt

Your Remedies Under the FDCPA

If a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you may be entitled to statutory damages up to $1,000, actual damages, and attorney's fees and costs — meaning our representation may cost you nothing out of pocket. Attorney Zachary L. Taylor leads our consumer protection practice.