A debt collector subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is one who regularly collects debts owed to others. This act enforces rules about debt collection practices for debt collectors, including the methods of contacting consumers.
The FDCPA aims to protect consumers from abusive, unfair, and deceptive debt collection practices. It sets limits on when and how debt collectors can contact consumers, and requires them to provide certain information about the debt. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from using harassing or abusive tactics, such as calling at inconvenient times or threatening to sue or arrest a consumer.