The FDCPA & Common Consumer Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed into law in 1977.  It was intended to curb abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is required by the FDCPA to submit a report to Congress every year summarizing the FTC’s actions taken under the FDCPA.  The following are the most frequently received complaints by consumers to the FTC:

• Harassing the alleged debtor or others
• Failing to send the required consumer notice
• Failing to verify disputed debt
• Calling the consumer’s place of employment
• Revealing the alleged debt to third parties
• Continuing to contact consumers after receiving a “cease communication” notice
• Threatening dire consequences if a consumer fails to pay; and
• Demanding a larger payment than is permitted by law

If you are a consumer who is being harassed by a debt collector, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.  This is not a private cause of action–you will not receive compensation for any damages you may have suffered.