FDCPA
Government & Politics abbreviation · US Law
| Stands for | Fair Debt Collection Practices Act |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
FDCPA stands for Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a US law abbreviation.
Bars third-party debt collectors from harassment, false or misleading statements and unfair practices, such as calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. or contacting a consumer's employer about the debt. Collectors must send a validation notice describing the debt and the right to dispute it.
Example: She sent a written dispute, so under the FDCPA the collector had to pause until it verified the debt.
Usage notes
Enacted in 1977, it generally covers collection agencies and debt buyers rather than original creditors collecting their own debts. The CFPB's Regulation F, effective 2021, presumes that more than seven calls in seven days about a debt is harassment. Consumers can sue for actual damages plus up to $1,000.
Related abbreviations
More US law abbreviations
- ESEA – Elementary and Secondary Education Act
- ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act
- FATCA – Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
- FCPA – Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
- FCRA – Fair Credit Reporting Act
- FDCA – Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- FECA – Federal Election Campaign Act
- Fed. Reg. – Federal Register
- FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- FFCRA – Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- FHA – Fair Housing Act
- FISA – Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act