FDCPA Violations: When You Can Sue a Debt Collector

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act lets you sue collectors for abusive tactics — with statutory damages up to $1,000, actual damages, and mandatory attorney's fees. Fee-shifting means consumer lawyers often take these cases at no cost to you.

The violations checklist

• Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or repeated calls intended to harass
• Contacting you at work after being told not to
• Discussing your debt with family, neighbors, or employers
• Threatening arrest, jail, or actions the collector can't legally take
• Suing or threatening suit on a time-barred debt
• Misstating the amount owed or adding unauthorized fees
• Continuing collection after a validation request without responding

Build the record

Save voicemails, log every call with date and time, keep every letter and envelope. You have one year from the violation to file. FDCPA claims also make powerful counterclaims when a collector sues you first.