{"id":13548,"date":"2023-04-06T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/?p=13548"},"modified":"2025-06-06T14:39:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T20:39:26","slug":"debt-collection-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/debt-collection-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Debt collection laws: Know your rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"570\" height=\"190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/debt-collection-laws-hero.jpg\" alt=\"Debt Collection Laws Title Image\" class=\"wp-image-13549\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. <\/em><a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>See Lexington Law\u2019s editorial disclosure for more information.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-de42ec57d7a81d8a125da9b6d515d8ff\" style=\"background-color:#00204f\">Debt collection laws exist to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Debt collection laws exist to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. The inception of collection agencies brought with it a prevalence of abusive and deceptive debt collection practices among collectors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since then, a federal law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit\/fair-debt-collection-practices-act\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FDCPA<\/a>) was enacted to combat abusive and unethical behavior by debt collectors. The FDCPA places certain limitations on debt collectors and the methods they use to contact debtors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to know your rights and what a debt collector can and cannot do by law. If you\u2019re being contacted by a debt collector, you can protect yourself by understanding what\u2019s within their limitations and what\u2019s not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"responsive-youtube\"><iframe width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fLXhs7U0Kys\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-fair-debt-collection-practices-act-what-are-the-rules-for-debt-collectors\">The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: what are the rules for debt collectors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People often misunderstand exactly who the FDCPA applies to. The law targets third-party debt collectors: Collection agencies, debt buyers and lawyers who practice debt collection as part of their business are all considered third-party debt collectors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The FDCPA covers debts such as mortgages, <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-cards\/debt-relief.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit card debt<\/a>, medical debt, student loans and auto loans. The law outlines the specific limitations of how a debt collector can contact you, and if violated, a lawsuit is warranted within a year against the collector or collection agency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Note: The FDCPA does not cover business debts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the FDCPA protects consumers from unfair debt collection practices, it\u2019s important to note that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/boarddocs\/supmanual\/cch\/fairdebt.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business debts aren\u2019t covered<\/a>. The FDCPA only applies when the debt is incurred for \u201cpersonal, family, or household purposes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"responsive-youtube\"><iframe width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WpQCYXu7NHk\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-and-how-debt-collectors-can-contact-you-and-can-a-debt-collector-call-you-at-work\">When and how debt collectors can contact you, and can a debt collector call you at work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong> Collection agencies can contact you by phone, mail, fax or email. Debt collectors aren\u2019t permitted to call you at unusual times\u2014they can only call you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. your local time. Any contact outside of those hours is an FDCPA violation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Place:<\/strong> Debtors also can\u2019t contact you in unusual places, such as hospitals, schools or restaurants. While they\u2019re technically allowed to call you at your home or your office, you have the right to tell them not to contact you at your workplace. Similarly, if they know personal calls aren\u2019t permitted at your place of work, they can\u2019t legally contact you while you\u2019re there.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Representation by attorney: <\/strong>If you have an attorney to represent you and a debt collector knows this, they aren\u2019t usually permitted to contact you and must contact the attorney instead. If you get a call from a debt collector while an attorney is representing you, give them the attorney\u2019s contact information and tell them to direct their communication to them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"611\" height=\"632\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19556\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-else-can-a-debt-collector-call-about-my-debt\">Who else can a debt collector call about my debt?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Debt collectors are within their rights to contact friends and family in order to find your address, phone number or place of work. However, they can only contact each individual once, and they can\u2019t discuss the details of your debt with anyone but you, your spouse and your attorney.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-debt-collectors-say\">What can debt collectors say?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a debt collector contacts you, they are required to identify themselves as a debt collector. After identifying themselves, they should state the debt they\u2019re calling about and request payment for it. They should also inform you that any information you provide during the communication will be used in the effort of collecting the debt.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The FDCPA prohibits collectors from engaging in any form of harassment, including communication that is abusive, threatening or deceptive. Examples of harassment include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Using profane language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Threatening bodily harm&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Misrepresenting what you owe&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making false claims that you could be arrested&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Threatening your property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making repeated attempts to contact you or calling you anonymously&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When a debt collector contacts you about a debt, they are required by law to provide specific details about the claimed debt at hand. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The name of the creditor who loaned funds to you or provided a service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The amount owed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statement of your right to dispute the debt if you send a written request within 30 days of contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statement of your right to request the contact information of the original creditor (if it differs from the current creditor) if you send a written request within 30 days of contact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you speak to a collector and they fail to provide this information in the first instance of contact, they are required to send it to you in writing within five days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-can-debt-collectors-ask-for\">How much can debt collectors ask for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A debt collector can only ask for the amount you owe including outstanding fees, charges and unpaid interest\u2014any request for additional payments outside of that scope is prohibited by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19557\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-debt-collection-and-your-rights-can-i-dispute-a-debt\">Debt collection and your rights: can I dispute a debt?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you speak with a debt collector, you\u2019re allowed to ask for any additional information pertaining to the debt at hand. It\u2019s also within your rights to dispute the debt if you believe it\u2019s been made in error or if you believe the claimed amount owed is incorrect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-i-dispute-a-debt\">How can I dispute a debt?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been contacted by a debt collector claiming you owe a debt and you believe it\u2019s in error, you can contact the collector in writing explaining that you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-repair\/collections\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dispute the case<\/a>. If you do this within 30 days of receiving your debt verification notice, the collector cannot contact you while your claim is being investigated. If you fail to do so within 30 days, you can still send a letter to investigate the debt\u2014but the collector will still be legally allowed to continue contacting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you can request investigation of the debt over the phone, doing so permits the collector to continue debt collection activities and they aren\u2019t required to stop contacting you while the debt is verified. That\u2019s why it\u2019s best to always make your disputes in writing. It\u2019s wise to send your letter by certified mail and pay for a return receipt\u2014this allows you to prove the collector received it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-debt-verification-notice\">What is a debt verification notice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A debt verification notice is the written notice sent by a debt collector in response to your letter of dispute. It includes details about what you owe and to whom you owe it. As mentioned above, debt collectors are obligated to send this if you notify them of your wish to investigate the debt, or otherwise notify you that they will cease their collection efforts (as long as you sent the letter within 30 days of first contact with the collector.) Here\u2019s what it should include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The amount of debt you owe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The name of the creditor&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A statement that if you request information about the original creditor, you should receive it within 30 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-repair\/debt-validation.html\">debt verification<\/a> notice is meant to provide you with enough information about the debt that you can compare it to your own records and determine whether or not you actually owe it. The notice will include different information depending on your grounds for dispute:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Identity theft:<\/strong> If you\u2019re investigating the debt because you believe it could be a mistaken identity or instance of identity theft or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/fraud-alert-vs-credit-freeze.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fraud<\/a>, the verification notice must include a copy of the original signed contract.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debt amount: <\/strong>If you\u2019re investigating the amount of the debt, the verification notice should include specific information about the payment amounts made, plus any interest or fees charged.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that if you make a written request for a debt verification notice, the collector is legally required to cease all debt collection activities and communication with you until they provide the requested information. If they attempt to communicate with you within this 30-day period, they can be held legally responsible for breaching the FDCPA. It\u2019s wise to keep a copy of this letter for your records, and send the letter by certified mail to have proof that the collector received it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-i-ask-a-debt-collector-to-stop-contacting-me\">Can I ask a debt collector to stop contacting me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is within your rights to request a collector to cease communication with you. It must be done in writing and sent by mail. Again, it\u2019s best to send the letter by certified mail along with a return receipt in order to have the request on record.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From that point on, the collector may only contact you to inform you that they\u2019re terminating their efforts or to explain their next steps, such as taking the case to court.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to report a debt collector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a debt collector is harassing you or treating you unfairly, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/complaint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">file a complaint<\/a> with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can also report issues with your state\u2019s attorney general&#8217;s office and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Trade Commission (FTC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-can-a-debt-collector-legally-pursue-old-debt\">How long can a debt collector legally pursue old debt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most debts have a shelf life\u2014after three to seven years, they usually expire. This is known as a statute of limitations, and once it expires, the debt becomes time-barred and the collector can no longer legally force you to pay a debt in court.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"332\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19558\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s true that once that statute of limitations is up, debt collectors can\u2019t take legal action against you\u2014like filing a lawsuit against you for a debt you owe\u2014they can still make attempts to collect the debt by calling you and sending letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-is-the-statute-of-limitations\">How long is the statute of limitations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact time frame varies by state, so this depends on where you incurred the debt. It also depends on the type of debt you\u2019re dealing with. If you\u2019re unsure of the specifics for your situation, it\u2019s smart to contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-repair\/lawyer\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attorney<\/a> who handles debt law. You can search for debt collection defense law firms in your area to find a local resource to help you navigate your situation and provide the facts about where you stand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-disputing-a-debt-restart-the-statute-of-limitations\">Does disputing a debt restart the statute of limitations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. If your debt is time-barred because it\u2019s reached its statute of limitations, the only thing that can restart the clock on it is if you make a payment on it (or a partial payment) or even promise to pay the debt, thereby admitting you owe it. Other actions that could restart the statute of limitations include entering into a payment plan or accepting a settlement offer from the collector.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While investigating your debt won\u2019t restart the statute of limitations, admitting the debt is yours during your dispute will. It\u2019s important to be cautious in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/how-to-deal-with-debt-collectors.html\">conversations with debt collectors<\/a>\u2014some will try and get you to admit to the debt without you realizing it, and then the clock restarts. Again, it\u2019s wise to partner with a debt collection law firm to navigate these types of situations, which can get dicey if you aren\u2019t aware of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-repair\/credit-repair-laws.html\">your state\u2019s laws<\/a>, your rights and the specifics of your situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"responsive-youtube\"><iframe width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ucxWg3xoKSQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-debt-collections-affect-my-credit\">How do debt collections affect my credit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any unpaid debt or missed payment, having a collection on your account will have a negative effect on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/how-often-does-my-credit-score-update.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit score<\/a>. Lenders want to see that you\u2019re a responsible borrower, and if your debts have gone to collections, they diminish your creditworthiness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a debt in collections, it means the original creditor assumed you weren\u2019t intending to pay it (this could be after 60, 120 or even 180 days depending on the lender) and passed it off to a collection agency. Credit bureaus usually categorize these debts based on how late they are, which determines how much your credit score will drop.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, a debt in collections remains on your credit report for up to seven years. After seven years, the debt should fall off. The most recently added debt accounts on a credit report will have a more severe impact on your credit. But by and large, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer for <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-repair\/does-paying-collections-improve-score\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how an unpaid debt will affect your credit score<\/a>, because it\u2019s dependent on your unique credit history and the type of debt incurred. Someone who\u2019s only had one debt transferred to collections may have an easier time than someone with repeated collection accounts on record.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to dispute inaccurate collections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/what-is-the-fair-credit-reporting-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)<\/a> ensures the accuracy of information on consumer credit reports. If you believe a collection is inaccurate, you have the legal right to have it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/remove-collections-from-credit-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">removed from your credit report<\/a>. To dispute the collection, send a letter to the credit bureau or fill out a form on their website.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you submit a dispute, the credit bureau has 30 days to look into it. If they find that the collection isn\u2019t accurate, it should be removed from your credit report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, debt collections can be crushing to your credit score if you aren\u2019t careful. Your credit report affects countless areas of your life, from your ability to get a loan or a credit card, to the annual percentage rate (APR) you pay for a line of credit to even employment. Luckily, you aren\u2019t defenseless when facing debt collections: the entire purpose of debt collection laws is to protect you, the consumer. Understanding how they work and knowing your rights can empower you to work out the debt in the best way possible and protect yourself in the process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating unpaid debts isn\u2019t something to brush off, and understanding your rights as a consumer is a smart place to start when it comes to handling debt. Read up on how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-repair\/negative-items\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">negative items<\/a> could affect your credit so that you\u2019re prepared for anything life throws at you, and work with a credit repair law firm, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-repair-services\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lexington Law<\/a>, to get additional help with your credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em> Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and confusing. Understand debt collection laws and your rights to help you better manage outstanding debt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":13549,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[534],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v18.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Debt Collection Laws: Know Your Rights | Lexington Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and confusing. 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