Your rights

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act governs what debt collectors may say and do. These are the protections you will use most, with the statutes behind them.

Every state has its own page with its limitations period and citation: all states.

This page summarizes federal and state law for general information. It is not legal advice, and it may not reflect recent amendments or how courts in your jurisdiction apply these statutes. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.

Your rights

Collectors may not call at inconvenient hours15 U.S.C. § 1692c(a)(1); 12 CFR 1006.6(b)(1)

Harassment and abuse are prohibited15 U.S.C. § 1692d; 12 CFR 1006.14

False or misleading statements are prohibited15 U.S.C. § 1692e

You can demand verification of the debt15 U.S.C. § 1692g; 12 CFR 1006.34

You can order a collector to stop contacting you15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)

Your debt is nobody else's business15 U.S.C. §§ 1692b, 1692c(b)

You can dispute errors on your credit report15 U.S.C. §§ 1681i, 1681c (FCRA)

Violations have consequences15 U.S.C. § 1692k

Maine residents have broader protection32 M.R.S. §§ 11002, 11003, 11031; 5 M.R.S. § 207

Statute of limitations lookup