Disclaimer: These tools generate templates for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of generated documents for your specific situation. Always consult with a qualified attorney before taking legal action. Filing deadlines and procedural requirements vary - verify current requirements with the relevant agency.

California Debt Collection Defense Hub

Fight back against illegal debt collection practices. Generate cease & desist letters, debt validation requests, and regulatory complaints under the FDCPA, Rosenthal Act, and CCRAA.

All Tools
FDCPA
Rosenthal Act
Credit Reporting
File Complaint
💬
Collector Responded to Your Dispute?
Get templates to counter common debt collector defenses and escalate your case.
View Response Templates

Know Your Rights Under California Law

California provides powerful protections against abusive debt collection. The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act extends federal FDCPA protections to original creditors (not just third-party collectors). Combined with the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA), you have strong tools to fight inaccurate debts and abusive practices. Within 30 days of a collector's first contact, you have the right to request debt validation - this forces them to prove you owe the debt before continuing collection.

Debt Defense Calculators

⚖ FDCPA/Rosenthal Damages

FDCPA Statutory Damages (up to) $0
Rosenthal Additional Damages (up to) $0
Actual Damages $0
Attorney's Fees + Recoverable
Maximum Potential Recovery $0

📅 Statute of Limitations

Statute of Limitations Period --
SOL Expiration Date --
Status --

Debt Collection Defense Generator

What documents do you want to generate?

1 Your Info
2 Collector
3 Debt Details
4 Violations
5 Generate

Step 1: Your Information

Step 2: Debt Collector Information

Step 3: Debt Information

Step 4: Collection Violations (Select All That Apply)

Communication Violations

✓
✓
✓
✓
✓

False or Misleading Conduct

✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓

Harassment or Abuse

✓
✓
✓

Procedural Violations

✓
✓
✓
✓

Step 5: Review & Generate Documents

Summary

Important: Debt Validation Timeline

You have 30 days from the collector's first written communication to request debt validation. If you're within this window, your request will pause collection activity until they provide validation. Even after 30 days, you still have the right to dispute, but the collector may continue collection while verifying.

Generated Documents

Next Steps

  • Send by Certified Mail - Always send letters via certified mail with return receipt requested
  • Keep Copies - Keep copies of everything you send and receive
  • Document Everything - Log all phone calls with date, time, and what was said
  • Review for Accuracy - These are templates - review and customize for your specific situation
  • Consult an Attorney - Consider consulting a consumer rights attorney, especially if violations are severe

File a Regulatory Complaint

Beyond sending letters to the collector, you can file formal complaints with government agencies. These agencies can investigate, impose penalties, and help resolve disputes.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Primary federal agency for debt collection complaints. CFPB forwards complaints to collectors and requires responses within 15 days.

File CFPB Complaint ↗

California Attorney General

Enforces California consumer protection laws including the Rosenthal Act. Can investigate patterns of abuse.

File CA AG Complaint ↗

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Enforces federal FDCPA. While FTC doesn't resolve individual disputes, complaints help identify patterns for enforcement.

Report to FTC ↗

California DFPI

Department of Financial Protection & Innovation licenses and regulates debt collectors in California.

File DFPI Complaint ↗

Related Legal Hubs

Consumer Protection Hub

CLRA, UCL claims against deceptive businesses

Employment Discrimination Hub

FEHA, Title VII workplace discrimination claims

Wage & Hour Hub

Unpaid wages, overtime, meal break violations

Find a Lawyer in Your California City

San Francisco San Jose Sacramento Oakland Riverside Fresno Long Beach Bakersfield Anaheim Santa Ana

Free legal assessments, demand letter generators, and courthouse info for your city.

`); printWindow.document.close(); printWindow.print(); } function resetForm() { document.getElementById('debtForm').reset(); document.getElementById('generatorSection').style.display = 'block'; document.getElementById('outputContainer').classList.remove('show'); // Reset outputs document.getElementById('validationOutput').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('ceaseDesistOutput').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('cfpbOutput').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('agOutput').style.display = 'none'; // Reset step indicators for (let i = 1; i <= 5; i++) { document.getElementById('step' + i).classList.remove('active'); document.getElementById('step' + i + 'Indicator').classList.remove('active', 'completed'); } document.getElementById('step1').classList.add('active'); document.getElementById('step1Indicator').classList.add('active'); currentStep = 1; // Reset output selector document.querySelectorAll('.output-option').forEach(opt => { opt.classList.remove('selected'); opt.querySelector('input').checked = false; }); document.querySelector('.output-option').classList.add('selected'); document.getElementById('outputValidation').checked = true; // Reset checkbox items document.querySelectorAll('.checkbox-item').forEach(item => { item.classList.remove('selected'); item.querySelector('input').checked = false; }); } function filterCategory(category) { document.querySelectorAll('.category-tab').forEach(tab => { tab.classList.remove('active'); }); event.target.classList.add('active'); // Category filtering could be implemented to show/hide sections }

Find a Lawyer in Your California City

San Francisco San Jose Sacramento Oakland Riverside Fresno Long Beach Bakersfield Anaheim Santa Ana

Free legal assessments, demand letter generators, and courthouse info for your city.