Your FDCPA rights
How to Report Debt Collection Violations
Learn where and how to report FDCPA violations to the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general — and how to find a consumer attorney.
Federal Law Protects You
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, you have multiple ways to fight back: file regulatory complaints, consult a consumer attorney for potential lawsuits, and report to your state attorney general.
What do people ask about how to report debt collection violations?
How do I file a CFPB complaint?
Go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call 1-855-411-2372 (1-855-411-CFPB). Describe what happened, when it happened, and include any documentation (letters, call logs). The CFPB forwards complaints to companies and publishes them in the Consumer Complaint Database.
How do I file an FTC complaint?
Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints but uses them to investigate patterns and bring enforcement actions against collectors. File with both the CFPB and FTC for maximum impact.
Can I sue a debt collector myself?
Yes. Under the FDCPA, you can file suit in any federal or state court within one year of the violation. Many consumer attorneys handle FDCPA cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win. If you win, you recover damages plus your attorney fees from the collector.
Where can I find a consumer attorney for FDCPA cases?
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) maintains a directory of consumer law attorneys at consumeradvocates.org. Many attorneys offer free consultations for FDCPA cases. Since attorney fees are recoverable from the collector, many take strong cases for free.
How long do I have to sue under the FDCPA?
You must file suit within one year of the FDCPA violation. This is a hard deadline — courts generally will not extend it. Act quickly if you believe your rights have been violated.
Related Resources
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Every figure on PlainCollector is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
| Publisher | PlainCollector |
| Sources | the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database |