Timing is critical under the FDCPA. The most powerful rights you have are triggered by sending a validation letter within 30 days of receiving the debt collector's initial communication.

The 30-day clock starts ticking the day you receive the debt collector's first contact. This is usually a letter, but it can sometimes be a phone call, provided the collector sends the written validation notice within five days of that call.

The FDCPA requires your validation request to be in writing to trigger the collector's duty to cease collection. Oral disputes are insufficient for this purpose.

If you fail to dispute the debt within the 30-day period, the debt collector is legally entitled to assume the debt is valid. However, this assumption is **not** a legal judgment, and it does not waive your right to sue the collector later for FDCPA violations or to challenge the debt in court.

Beyond validation rights, the FDCPA strictly forbids a wide range of abusive, deceptive, and unfair conduct by debt collectors. If a collector commits one of these acts, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

• Threats of violence or harm.
• Using obscene or profane language.
• Causing a phone to ring repeatedly or continuously to harass.
• Calling you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. local time (unless you consent).
• Calling you at work after being told you cannot take calls there.

• Falsely claiming to be an attorney or government representative.
• Misrepresenting the amount or legal status of the debt.
• Threatening to take action that is not legal or not intended (e.g., falsely threatening to sue).
• Falsely stating that nonpayment will result in arrest or seizure of property.
• Reporting false or disputed information to a credit bureau (also a potential FCRA violation).

• Collecting any amount not expressly authorized by the original agreement or law (e.g., unauthorized fees).
• Depositing a post-dated check early.
• Communicating with you by postcard (too public).
• Sending documents that appear to be from a court or government agency when they are not.

This letter is the foundation of your rights. Send it via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Customize the bracketed information.

If a debt collector violates the FDCPA—by ignoring your validation request, continuing collection calls, or using abusive language—you have the right to sue for damages.

A debt collector who violates the FDCPA is liable for:

• Continuing to call or send letters after receiving a timely, written validation request.
• Failing to provide verification when demanded.
• Threatening to sue on a debt that is past the statute of limitations ("time-barred").
• Making false threats of wage garnishment or property seizure.
• Contacting a third party (like a neighbor or relative) about the debt (other than to locate you).

An FDCPA lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date the FDCPA violation occurred. It is crucial to document the date of every violation.

I represent consumers fighting back against illegal and abusive debt collection practices. If a collector violates your rights under the FDCPA—by ignoring a validation request, continuing to call, or making false threats—I can evaluate your case and help you fight back.

• No upfront fees for most cases: FDCPA cases are often handled on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win, and the defendant pays attorney fees
• Deep FDCPA expertise: I understand collector tactics, compliance gaps, and violation patterns
• Aggressive advocacy: I don't tolerate abuse or inadequate validation—I force collectors to comply with the law
• Personal attention: Direct access to me throughout the process

Book a call to discuss your FDCPA dispute. Bring your collection letters, call logs, and any evidence of harassment or false threats.