Debt Collection -- Know Your Rights
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What can the consumer do if she believes a debt collector violated the
law? The consumer has the right to sue a collector in a state or federal
court within one year from the date she believes the law was violated. If the
consumer wins, she may recover money for the damages she suffered. Court costs
and attorney's fees can also be recovered. A group of people also may sue a
debt collector and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of
the collector's net worth, whichever is less.
Where can the consumer report a debt collector for an alleged violation
of the law? Report any problems with a debt collector to the State
Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Many states also
have their own debt collection laws and a local Attorney General's office can
help determine the consumers rights. If you have questions about the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act, or your rights under the Act, write: Correspondence
Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. Although the FTC
generally cannot intervene in individual disputes, the information you provide
may indicate a pattern of possible law violations requiring action by the
Commission. To obtain a free copy of Best Sellers a listing of all the FTC's
consumer and business publications write to: Public Reference, Federal Trade
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580.
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