Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Also known as: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
A federal law that prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair practices by third-party debt collectors. Limits when and how often they can contact you, requires written validation of the debt, and gives you the right to demand they stop contacting you in writing.
Full definition
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692-1692p, is the primary federal consumer-protection law for third-party debt collection. It applies to collection agencies and debt buyers (not to original creditors). Core protections: collectors must identify themselves, send a written validation notice within five days of first contact, stop collection on a disputed debt until proof is provided, and cease contact in writing if the consumer demands it. Forbidden tactics include calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM, contacting your employer, threats, or using deceptive language. Violations carry actual damages plus $1,000 statutory damages per case, and the CFPB enforces parallel rules under Regulation F.
- Written by
- Get Advance Loan Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Compliance Review
- Published
- January 15, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 22, 2026
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