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Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Reporting a collector is free and can stop bad behavior quickly. It won't get you paid for what they did. Here's where to report, what to include, and when to talk to a lawyer instead.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The CFPB forwards your complaint to the collector and asks for a response, which you can read and reply to. It's usually the fastest way to get a collector's attention.
Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses complaints to build enforcement cases against abusive collectors, though it doesn't resolve individual disputes.
Many states license or bond debt collectors. In Texas, third-party collectors must file a surety bond with the Secretary of State, and complaints go to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Regulators can fine collectors and stop patterns of abuse, but they don't award damages to you. The FDCPA lets you sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees, and you have only one year from the violation. See FDCPA damages and the 1-year deadline.
Everything on this site you can do yourself, for free. If you'd rather have help, pick the path that fits.
BCR Consulting prepares and sends disputes on your behalf and tracks every deadline.
The Deletion Machine walks you through disputes step by step and keeps your paper trail organized.
If a violation cost you a loan, a job, or an apartment, or it keeps happening, a consumer attorney can tell you what the claim is worth.
Is the debt also showing up wrong on your credit report? See FCRAViolations.com for your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.