Debt collectors are regulated by the FTC on the federal level. At the state level, attorneys general are typically responsible for enforcing state and federal laws. A few local governments also separately regulate debt collectors. The laws that govern the ARM industry are civil, meaning that liability is almost always monetary. So a state’s attorney general will not file criminal charges against a debt collector accused of violating the law, rather, he/she will sue for damages. Collection laws include federal and state statutes that govern the proper operation of companies and personnel that work in the debt collection industry. The most comprehensive collection law is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Other federal laws that collectors must follow include the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the data security requirements of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA).
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"What to do about Debt Collectors?" Chat at the Sacramento Bee
4 August 2011
Six Strategies for Debt Collection Voice Message Compliance
3 August 2011
Officials Raid Collection Agency, Arrest Three
28 July 2011
Nevada Collection Agency Remains Embroiled in HOA Bruhaha
28 July 2011
ACA International Supports FTC Policy on Collecting Debts of the Deceased
27 July 2011
How Wal-Mart Can Help FDCPA Defendants Defeat Class Certification
26 July 2011
European Union to Make Cross-Border Debt Collection Easier
25 July 2011
Solving the Foti Phone Message Conundrum
25 July 2011
No Clarity on Debt Collection Laws Until CFPB Director Confirmed
22 July 2011
FTC Issues Final Policy Statement on Collecting Deceased Debt
21 July 2011
Maryland Freezes 900 Debt Collection Lawsuits
21 July 2011
Tennessee Representative Wants to Amend the FDCPA (and not necessarily in the industry's favor)
20 July 2011
Point-Counterpoint: Looking at What the CFPB Should Do With the Collections Industry
19 July 2011
Former Ohio AG to Head Up New Financial Regulator
18 July 2011
How to Hire a Debt Collection Agency
13 July 2011
Texas Attorney General Launches Action Against Encore Capital
9 July 2011
Circuit Court Ruling to Impact Collection Letters
30 June 2011
FTC: Consumer Reporting Agency to Pay $1.8 Million for FCRA Violations
28 June 2011
Kansas AG Beefs Up Consumer Protection Prosecution Unit
27 June 2011
FTC Submits Opinion on Debt Buyer Class Action Lawsuit
24 June 2011