The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law passed in 1978 in order to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. The FDCPA sets strict regulations concerning when, how, and how often a third-party debt collector may contact a debtor. This Act also sets limits on who the debt collector is allowed to speak with when attempting to collect payment from the debtor.

The FDCPA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and prohibits any company that collects debts from consumers from engaging in specific practices. This includes behaviors such as threatening or implying legal action or employment consequences, and communicating insults and abuse. Any debt collector found to be in violation of the FDCPA can face severe penalties.

In order to sue a debt collector in either federal or state court, the debtor must be able to prove that the collection agency violated the FDCPA and that they have suffered damages as a result. The consumer must file a lawsuit within one year of the collectors violation so it is important to keep copies of all communication as well as a written log of any contact. Once a lawsuit is filed, the debt collector may be required by the court to pay monetary damages, as well as the consumer's legal fees.

The FDCPA is a powerful tool for protecting the rights of consumers and provides them the legal recourse to sue debt collectors who fail to adhere to the regulations laid out in the Act. It is important for consumers to understand the protections afforded to them by the FDCPA, and to remain diligent in documenting any communication and noting any potential violations.