Know Your Rights

Your Rights as a Consumer

Federal law gives you powerful tools against abusive debt collectors and inaccurate credit reporting. Here's exactly what the law says — in plain English.

FDCPA

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

✓Right to ValidationWithin 30 days of first contact, demand written proof. They must stop collecting until they validate.
✓Right to Cease ContactSend a written cease & desist. They may only contact you once more to confirm or disclose a specific action.
✓Right to Quiet HoursNo calls before 8am or after 9pm. No calls at work if you notify them your employer prohibits it.
✓Freedom from HarassmentNo repeated calls to annoy, no profanity, no threats of violence, no public shaming.
✓Right to TruthCollectors cannot lie about the amount, misrepresent who they are, or falsely threaten legal action.
✓Right to SueEach violation: up to $1,000 statutory damages + actual damages + attorney's fees paid by the collector.

FCRA

Fair Credit Reporting Act

✓Free Annual Credit ReportAll three bureaus must provide a free report once per year via AnnualCreditReport.com.
✓Right to DisputeDispute any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable item. Bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
✓7-Year Reporting LimitMost negative items must be removed 7 years from first delinquency. Bankruptcy may remain 10 years.
✓Limited File AccessOnly those with a "permissible purpose" — lenders, employers with consent, landlords — can access your file.
✓Fraud Alert RightsIdentity theft victims can place a free fraud alert requiring lenders to verify identity before opening new credit.
✓Right to SueWillful violations: actual + punitive damages + fees. Negligent violations: actual damages + fees.

Critical Deadlines

Timing Is Everything

⏱️

5 Days

After first contact, collector must send written notice with debt amount, creditor name, and your validation rights.

📬

30 Days

You have 30 days from receiving their notice to send a written validation request. After that, collection may resume.

🔍

30 Days

Credit bureaus must complete investigations within 30 days (45 days if you provide additional info during the process).

⚖️

1–2 Years

FDCPA lawsuit: 1 year from violation. FCRA lawsuit: 2 years from discovery (or 5 years from violation).