Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Primary federal law governing debt collection practices that prohibits deceptive, unfair, and abusive collection practices. Requires specific disclosures, validation notices, and regulates communication methods and timing.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law that governs how debt information can be reported to credit bureaus and establishes requirements for accuracy in reporting.
State-Specific Collection Laws: Individual state laws that may impose additional requirements and restrictions, including specific licensing for debt collectors and state-specific disclosure requirements.
CFPB Regulation F: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation that implements the FDCPA and provides additional requirements for debt collection communications.
Mini-Miranda Warning: Required disclosure that must be included in all communications stating that the communication is from a debt collector attempting to collect a debt.
30-Day Validation Notice: Mandatory notice that must be sent to consumers within 5 days of initial communication, giving them 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt.
Debt Information Accuracy: Legal requirement to maintain and communicate accurate information about the debt, including the amount, creditor, and age of the debt.
Electronic Communications Compliance: Requirements for electronic debt collection communications, including necessary opt-out notices and compliance with E-SIGN Act.
