Source: http://www.creditlaw.com/fair-debt-collection-practices-act.htm
Timestamp: 2014-04-17 06:53:15
Document Index: 362049357

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 801', '§ 1692', '§ 803', '§ 810', '§ 814', '§ 818', '§ 818']

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Submit Free Case Review	What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
As amended by Pub. L. 109-351, §§ 801-02, 120 Stat. 1966 (2006) As a public service, the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prepared the following complete text of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692-1692p. Please note that the format of the text differs in minor ways from the U.S. Code and West’s U.S. Code Annotated. For example, this version uses FDCPA section numbers in the headings. In addition, the relevant U.S. Code citation is included with each section heading. Although the staff has made every effort to transcribe the statutory material accurately, this compendium is intended as a convenience for the public and not a substitute for the text in the U.S. Code.
801 Short title
802 Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
803 Definitions
804 Acquisition of location information
805 Communication in connection with debt collection
806 Harassment or abuse
807 False or misleading representations
808 Unfair practices
809 Validation of debts
810 Multiple debts
811 Legal actions by debt collectors
812 Furnishing certain deceptive forms
813 Civil liability
814 Administrative enforcement
815 Reports to Congress by the Commission
816 Relation to State laws
817 Exemption for State regulation
818 Exception for certain bad check enforcement programs operated by private entities
819 Effective date
801 15 USC 1601 note
FDCPA – 801. Short Title
This title may be cited as the “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”
FDCPA – 802. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
FDCPA – 803. Definitions
As used in this title-
(1) The term “Commission” means the Federal Trade Commission.
FDCPA – 803 15 USC 1692a
(6) The term “debt collector” means any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any debts, or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another. Notwithstanding the exclusion provided by clause (F) of the last sentence of this paragraph, the term includes any creditor who, in the process of collecting his own debts, uses any name other than his own which would indicate that a third person is collecting or attempting to collect such debts. For the purpose of section 808(6), such term also includes any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the enforcement of security interests. The term does not include-
(B) any person while acting as a debt collector for another person, both of whom are related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if the person acting as a debt collector does so only § 803 15 USC 1692a for persons to whom it is so related or affiliated and if the principal business of such person is not the collection of debts;
(F) any person collecting or attempting to collect any debt owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another to the extent such activity
(i) is incidental to a bona fide fiduciary obligation or a bona fide escrow arrangement;
(ii) concerns a debt which was originated by such person;
(iii) concerns a debt which was not in default at the time it was obtained by such person; or
(iv) concerns a debt obtained by such person as a secured party in a commercial credit transaction involving the creditor.
FDCPA – 804 15 USC 1692b
804. Acquisition of location information Any debt collector communicating with any person other than the consumer for the purpose of acquiring location information about the consumer shall-
(6) After the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney with regard to the subject debt and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney’s name and address, not communicate with any person other than that attorney, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to the communication from the debt collector.
FDCPA – 805. Communication in connection with debt collection
(a) COMMUNICATION WITH THE CONSUMER GENERALLY. Without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a debt collector may not communicate with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt-
(1) At any unusual time or place or a time or place known or which should be known to be inconvenient to the 15 USC 1692b 15 USC 1692c 805 15 USC 1692c consumer. In the absence of knowledge of circumstances to the contrary, a debt collector shall assume that the convenient time for communicating with a consumer is after 8 o’clock antimeridian and before 9 o’clock postmeridian, local time at the consumer’s location;
(2) If the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney with respect to such debt and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney’s name and address, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to a communication from the debt collector or unless the attorney consents to direct communication with the consumer;
(b) COMMUNICATION WITH THIRD PARTIES. Except as provided in section 804, without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector, or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, or as reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy, a debt collector may not communicate, in connection with the collection of any debt, with any person other than a consumer, his attorney, a consumer reporting agency if otherwise permitted by law, the creditor, the attorney of the creditor, or the attorney of the debt collector.
(c) CEASING COMMUNICATION. If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except-
(2) To notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or 805 15 USC 1692c
(d) For the purpose of this section, the term “consumer” includes the consumer’s spouse, parent (if the consumer is a minor), guardian, executor, or administrator.
FDCPA – 806. Harassment or abuse A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section: (1) The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person.
(3) The publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, except to a consumer reporting agency or to persons meeting the requirements of section 603(f) or 604(3) of this Act.
(6) Except as provided in section 804, the placement of telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of the caller’s identity. . Section 604(3) has been renumbered as Section 604(a)(3). 15 USC 1692d
FDCPA – 807 15 USC 1692e
(2) The false representation of-
(6) The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other transfer of any interest in a debt shall cause the consumer to-
(A) Ose any claim or defense to payment of the debt;
or (B) Become subject to any practice prohibited by this title.
807 15 USC 1692e
(16) The false representation or implication that a debt collector operates or is employed by a consumer reporting agency as defined by section 603(f) of this Act. 10
FDCPA – 808 15 USC 1692f
808. Unfair practices
(5) Causing charges to be made to any person for communications by concealment of the true propose of the communication. Such charges include, but are not limited to, collect telephone calls and telegram fees.
(6) Taking or threatening to take any nonjudicial action to effect dispossession or disablement of property if-
(C) The property is exempt by law from such dispossession or disablement. 15 USC 1692f
808 15 USC 1692f
FDCPA – 809. Validation of debts
(a) Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing-
(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original credi- 15 USC 1692g
809 15 USC 1692g
tor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector. Collection activities and communications that do not otherwise violate this title may continue during the 30-day period referred to in subsection (a) unless the consumer has notified the debt collector in writing that the debt, or any portion of the debt, is disputed or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor. Any collection activities and communication during the 30-day period may not overshadow or be inconsistent with the disclosure of the consumer’s right to dispute the debt or request the name and address of the original creditor.
(d) A communication in the form of a formal pleading in a civil action shall not be treated as an initial communication for purposes of subsection (a).
(e) The sending or delivery of any form or notice which does not relate to the collection of a debt and is expressly required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, title V of Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or any provision of Federal or State law relating to notice of data security breach or privacy, or any regulation prescribed under any such provision of law, shall not be treated as an initial communication in connection with debt collection for purposes of this section. § 810. Multiple debts If any consumer owes multiple debts and makes any single payment to any debt collector with respect to such debts, such debt collector may not apply such payment to any debt which is disputed by the consumer and, where applicable, shall apply such payment in accordance with the consumer’s directions. 15 USC 1692h
811 15 USC 1692i
811. Legal actions by debt collectors (a) Any debt collector who brings any legal action on a debt against any consumer shall- (1) in the case of an action to enforce an interest in real property securing the consumer’s obligation, bring such action only in a judicial district or similar legal entity in which such real property is located; or
(2) In the case of an action not described in paragraph (1), bring such action only in the judicial district or similar legal entity-
FDCPA – 812. Furnishing certain deceptive forms
FDCPA – 813. Civil liability
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, any debt collector who fails to comply with any provision of this title with respect to any person is liable to such person in an amount equal to the sum of-
813 15 USC 1692k
(B) In the case of a class action, (i) such amount for each named plaintiff as could be recovered under subparagraph (A), and
(ii) Such amount as the court may allow for all other class members, without regard to a minimum individual recovery, not to exceed the lesser of $500,000 or 1 per centum of the net worth of the debt collector; and
(b) In determining the amount of liability in any action under subsection (a), the court shall consider, among other relevant factors-
(2) In any class action under subsection (a)(2)(B), the frequency and persistence of noncompliance by the debt collector, the nature of such noncompliance, the resources of the debt collector, the number of persons adversely affected, and the extent to which the debt collector’s noncompliance was intentional.
FDCPA – 814. Administrative enforcement (a) Compliance with this title shall be enforced by the Commission, except to the extent that enforcement of the requirements imposed under this title is specifically committed to another agency under subsection
(b). For purpose of the exercise by the Commission of its functions and powers under the Federal Trade Commission Act, a violation of this title shall be deemed an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of that Act. All of the functions and powers of the Commission under the Federal Trade Commission Act are available to the Commission to enforce compliance by any person with this title, irrespective of whether that person is engaged in commerce or meets any other jurisdictional tests in the Federal Trade Commission Act, including the power to enforce the provisions of this title in the same manner as if the violation had been a violation of a Federal Trade Commission trade regulation rule.
(b) Compliance with any requirements imposed under this title shall be enforced under- 15 USC 1692l
(1) Section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the case of-
(5) The Federal Aviation Act of 1958, by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to any air carrier or any foreign air carrier subject to that Act; and (6) the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (except as provided in section 406 of that Act), by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to any activities subject to that Act.
(c) For the purpose of the exercise by any agency referred to in subsection (b) of its powers under any Act referred to in that subsection, a violation of any requirement imposed under this title shall be deemed to be a violation of a requirement imposed under that Act. In addition to its § 814 15 USC 1692l
powers under any provision of law specifically referred to in subsection (b), each of the agencies referred to in that subsection may exercise, for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any requirement imposed under this title any other authority conferred on it by law, except as provided in subsection (d).
FDCPA – 815. Reports to Congress by the Commission
FDCPA – 816.Relation to State laws
814 15 USC 1692l
817 15 USC 1692o
FDCPA – 817. Exemption for State regulation
The Commission shall by regulation exempt from the requirements of this title any class of debt collection practices within any State if the Commission determines that under the law of that State that class of debt collection practices is subject to requirements substantially similar to those imposed by this title, and that there is adequate provision for enforcement. 818. Exception for certain bad check enforcement programs operated by private entities (a) In General.-
(1) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PRIVATE ENTITIES.- Subject to paragraph (2), a private entity shall be excluded from the definition of a debt collector, pursuant to the exception provided in section 803(6), with respect to the operation by the entity of a program described in paragraph (2)(A) under a contract described in paragraph (2)(B).
(2) CONDITIONS OF APPLICABILITY.-Paragraph (1)
shall apply if- (A) a State or district attorney establishes, within the jurisdiction of such State or district attorney and with respect to alleged bad check violations that do not involve a check described in subsection (b), a pretrial diversion program for alleged bad check offenders who agree to participate voluntarily in such program to avoid criminal prosecution;
(C) In the course of performing duties delegated to it by a State or district attorney under the contract, the private entity referred to in subparagraph (B)- (i) complies with the penal laws of the State; 15 USC 1692p 15 USC 1692o
19 818 15 USC 1692p
(iv) Contacts any alleged offender referred to in subparagraph (A) for purposes of participating in a program referred to in such paragraph-
(v) Includes as part of an initial written communication with an alleged offender a clear and conspicuous statement that-
(III) If the alleged offender notifies the private entity or the district attorney in writing, not later than 30 days after being contacted for the first time pursuant to clause (iv), that there is a dispute pursuant to this subsection, before further restitution efforts are 20 § 818 15 USC 1692p pursued, the district attorney or an employee of the district attorney authorized to make such a determination makes a determination that there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed; and
(vi) Charges only fees in connection with services under the contract that have been authorized by the contract with the State or district attorney. (b) Certain Checks Excluded.-A check is described in this subsection if the check involves, or is subsequently found to involve-
(c) Definitions.-For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
21 § 818 15 USC 1692p (1) STATE OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY.-The term “State or district attorney” means the chief elected or appointed prosecuting attorney in a district, county (as defined in section 2 of title 1, United States Code), municipality, or comparable jurisdiction, including State attorneys general who act as chief elected or appointed prosecuting attorneys in a district, county (as so defined), municipality or comparable jurisdiction, who may be referred to by a variety of titles such as district attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, commonwealth’s attorneys, solicitors, county attorneys, and state’s attorneys, and who are responsible for the prosecution of State crimes and violations of jurisdiction-specific local ordinances.
(2) CHECK.-The term “check” has the same meaning as in section 3(6) of the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act.
(3) BAD CHECK VIOLATION.-The term “bad check violation” means a violation of the applicable State criminal law relating to the writing of dishonored checks.
FDCPA – 819. Effective date
This title takes effect upon the expiration of six months after the date of its enactment, but section 809 shall apply only with respect to debts for which the initial attempt to collect occurs after such effective date. 15 USC 1692 note
22 Legislative History House Report: No. 95-131 (Comm. on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs) Senate Report: No. 95-382 (Comm. on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs) Congressional Record, Vol. 123 (1977) April 4, House considered and passed H.R. 5294. Aug. 5, Senate considered and passed amended version of H.R. 5294. Sept. 8, House considered and passed Senate version. Enactment: Public Law 95-109 (Sept. 20, 1977) Amendments: Public Law Nos. 99-361 (July 9, 1986) 104-208 (Sept. 30, 1996) 109-351 (Oct. 13, 2006)
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