Collection companies and bill collectors in all 50 states are governed by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA forbids debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or misleading collection methods.
Many states also have their own fair debt collection laws. Some of these statutes are similar to the FDCPA. However, others provide more consumer protection by, for example, covering creditors as well as collectors, defining more categories of action that violate state law, or allowing for additional sorts of damages. Learn about the fair debt collection rules in each state by reading on.
Fair Debt Collection Laws in Each State
Table of Contents
What Is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in California?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of California forbids debt collectors and creditors from engaging in unfair, misleading, or abusive practices.
Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Debt collectors and creditors in Colorado are prohibited from utilizing abusive and unethical debt collection practices.
Consumer Collection Practices Act of Florida
The Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act forbids debt collectors and creditors from employing fraudulent or abusive debt collection practices.
Georgia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Georgia Industrial Loan Act governs the recovery of consumer debts under $3,000.
The Collection Agency Act of Illinois
The Illinois Collection Agency Act mandates that debt collectors get a license and governs how they engage with debtors.
Debt Collection Laws in New York
Consumers are protected from aggressive debt collection litigation under federal law and the Consumer Credit Fairness Act of New York.
Collection Agencies Act of Washington
The Washington Collection Agencies Law requires debt collectors to be licensed and bonded, as well as prohibiting certain actions.
Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of California
What Is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in California?
The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the primary debt collection statute in California.