FDCPA

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA was passed in 1977 and was designed to protect consumers from “abusive, deceptive, and unfair” debt collection practices. Among other things, it prohibits debt collectors from contacting consumers during certain hours or at their place of employment, making false statements in order to collect a debt, or harassing a consumer with repeated phone calls or contact. The CFPB has rulemaking authority for the FDCPA. In general, the FDCPA is enforced by the CFPB and the FTC.