Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p
Read the FDCPA (FTC)
Consumer debt rights, in plain English
They are counting on you not knowing your rights. We make sure you do.
Debt collectors work from scripts designed to rattle you. Federal law puts hard limits on what they can say and do — and most people never learn what those limits are.
Free. One page. Built on the actual text of the FDCPA and CFPB Regulation F.
No opinions. Just the law.
Every claim traces back to a primary source
We don’t guess and we don’t hype. Everything we publish is built from federal statute, federal regulation, and guidance from the agencies that enforce them.
CFPB Regulation F
12 C.F.R. Part 1006
Read Regulation F (CFPB)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Debt collection guidance & complaint portal
CFPB debt collection toolsFederal Trade Commission
Consumer advice on debt collection
FTC debt collection FAQs8am–9pm
The only window a collector is presumed allowed to call you, your local time (§ 1692c(a)(1)).
7 in 7
More than 7 calls in 7 days is presumed harassment under Regulation F (§ 1006.14(b)(2)).
$1,000
Statutory damages available per lawsuit, plus actual damages and attorney’s fees (§ 1692k).
A preview of the cheat sheet
What collectors can’t do — even if they act like they can
These are a few of the ten. The full sheet gives you all of them on one screenshot-friendly page.
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Threaten arrest or jail
Not paying a consumer debt is not a crime. Implying otherwise is a false representation. § 1692e(4)
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Discuss your debt with others
They may contact third parties only to find your location — not to tell them you owe money. § 1692b, § 1692c(b)
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Keep calling after you say stop in writing
Once you notify them in writing, they must stop, with narrow exceptions. § 1692c(c)
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Sue or threaten to sue on time-barred debt
Old debt past the statute of limitations can’t be the basis of a lawsuit or threat of one. 12 C.F.R. § 1006.26(b)
What we cover
Three things every person in debt should know
Your rights
What the FDCPA and Regulation F actually say, translated into plain English you can use on the phone today.
Their tactics
The pressure scripts, false urgency and half-truths collectors rely on — and how to recognize them instantly.
Your next move
Validation letters, cease-contact letters, CFPB complaints, and when it’s time to talk to a consumer attorney.
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FDCPA Rights Cheat Sheet
10 Things Debt Collectors Are Legally Prohibited From Doing — on one page, with the law cited next to each one.
- Designed to screenshot and keep on your phone
- Easy to share with a friend who’s being harassed
- Every item cited to the statute or regulation
Common questions
Is this legal advice?
No. We’re an educational content brand, not a law firm. We explain what the law says so you can recognize a problem and decide your next step — including talking to a licensed attorney in your state.
Does the FDCPA apply to every company I owe?
The FDCPA mainly covers third-party debt collectors and debt buyers collecting personal, family or household debts. It generally doesn’t cover the original creditor collecting its own debt — though many states have their own laws that do.
Why is the cheat sheet free?
Because the people who need it most are usually the ones who can least afford to pay for it. Read why we do this.
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