The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a United States statute enacted in 1978, seeks to eliminate abusive and harassing behaviors by some debt and collection agencies. The FDCPA states specific practices and rules under which debt collectors are allowed to operate, with specific penalties directed towards agencies found breaking this law.
Collection agencies may not communicate with a debtor during an inconvenient time or place. The FDCPA states that appropriate times to contact the debtor are between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. only.
Additionally, the collection agency cannot communicate with anyone other than the debtor. If a debtor has legal representation, the collection agency cannot directly contact him or her directly.