Key Areas of Protection by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The fair debt collection act is an American federal law which limits the actions of third party debt collectors.  These laws govern third party debt collector’s practices when collecting debt on behalf of an individual or another entity. These laws give an outline which restricts the means used by debt collectors to contact their debtors. The act further outlines the day and time together with the number of times a third party debt collector can contact a debtor.

If the fair debt collection practices are violated by the debt collector then the debtor can move to court to sue the debt collector on the basis of their violations. The debtor can also choose to sue their creditors for the same reason.  These possibilities emphasize the importance of debt collectors playing by the fair debt collection practices act rules in their debt collection attempts.

As an individual, it is important for you to sieve through the fair debt collection practices act and understand what they state.  Understanding these provisions will help you to know when this act has been violated and what action to take.  That said, here are key protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) you need to know.

Protection from Improper Communication and Ambushes from Debt Collectors

This is the first benefit of the fair debt collection practices act.  The act protects you from being contacted by a debt collector recklessly at any given time without prior consent. The provisions of the fair debt collection practices act protect you from being contacted by your debt collector during your working hours.

This act gives you the power to even notify your debt collector that you intend to have them stop contacting you. You can do this in writing asking the debt collector to stop contacting you with the immediate effect.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Gives You Power to Request Debt Verification

Debt verification is very important especially if you are dealing with a debt collector for the first time. The fair debt collection practices act gives you the power to ask for debt verification. Upon getting the verification from the debt collector you can go through its details and dispute it in case you see something that is suspicious or something you do not agree with.

Debt verification basically, involves the debt collector providing you with important details about your debt to help you determine if the debt is yours or not. Where needed, the debt collector must furnish you with further details regarding the debt to help you accurately verify it.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Protects You from Harassment and Abuse

Debt collectors and debt collection companies are known for their uncouth behaviours off harassment and abuse. Representatives of third party debt collectors are known for calling their debtors and harassing them with abuse.  Fortunately, with the enactment of the fair debt collection practices acts these acts are now prohibited.  The Fair debt collection practices act uses very strong words to warn debt collectors of these acts promising dire consequences in case of a violation.

Conclusion

There are many key protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These protections seek to protect debtors from uncouth acts often perpetuated by debt collectors in their debt collection attempts.