The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The purpose of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is to help protect customers’ rights. As a business owner it is imperative that you be aware of the regulations under this act to protect your business from poor and illegal practices.

What is Covered and Who it Applies To

The Act covers personal, family, and household debts. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care, or for charge accounts.

The legislation only applied to debt collectors, who are any person who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes attorney who collect debts, but does not apply to creditors collecting their own debts.

How Debtors May Be Contacted

A debtor may be contacted by a collector in various ways, such as:

• In person
• Mail
• Telephone
• Telegram
• Fax

A debt collector is prohibited from contacting a debtor at inconvenient times or places. This includes before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. In some instances, a debtor may not be contacted at work if the collector knows his or her employee disapproves of such contacts.

Debt collectors are prohibited from harassing, oppressing, or abusing a debtor or any third parties they contact. They may not use false or misleading statements when collecting a debt.

Call an Austin Debt Collection Lawyer

If you are a small business owner and need to collect a debt that is past due, you need an experienced attorney who is familiar with debt collection practices and is prepared to guide you. ContactContact the Austin debt collection lawyers of Slater Kennon & Jameson, LLP at 512.472.2431 for an initial consultation.