Pennsylvania Fair Debt Collection Law
Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated Sections 7311 and Sections 2270.1 to 2270.6 deal with debt collection agencies. The latter is called the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act. Many of the prohibited practices mirror the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For example, the law says that:
- A debt collector can't call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and can't continually call or harass you
- A debt collector can't publish your name
- A debt collector can't threaten you with violence
- A debt collector can't use profanity or obscene language
- A debt collection agency can't call you at work if it knows that your employers disapproves
- A debt collection agency can't contact you directly if you're represented by an attorney
- A debt collector can only contact third parties in order to locate you, and can't disclose that he's trying to collect a debt
- A debt collection agency can't prematurely deposit a postdated check
- A debt collection agency can't contact you via postcard
- A debt collector can't trick you into paying for collect calls or telegrams
- A debt collector can't imply that he's with the government or is an attorney
- A debt collection agency can't say that you've committed a crime or threaten to file a lawsuit when they're not intending to do so
- A debt collection agency can't send you documents that look like they're from a court when they're not
Pennsylvania law allows individual consumers to sue debt collection agencies under the Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices statute. A successful lawsuit filed in the state can result in an award of three times your actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. This is in addition to being able to sue a debt collection agency for violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
With the help of a fair debt attorney, you can often reach a settlement with a debt collection agency that either puts money in your pocket or erases part or all of that debt. Complete the form to the right, and the legal team at StopCollector.com will provide you with a free case evaluation. If the debt collector has violated Pennsylvania state law and the FDCPA, we'll take your case absolutely free.
File a Complaint
If you've been the victim of illegal fair debt or fair credit practices, you should file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Often, attorneys general use consumer complaints as the basis for filing lawsuits against debt collection agencies. Filing a complaint is a way of making your voice heard, and of helping to put a stop to unethical debt collection practices.
You can download a complaint form or file an online complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office by clicking here.
Here's the contact information to call or send a written complaint to the Pennsylvania Attorney General:
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
14th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-3391 or 800-441-2555
You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It looks at patterns of consumer complaints and holds shady debt collection agencies accountable by suing them and fining them. It’s also required to provide Congress with an annual report about debt collection and credit reporting practices that includes the number of consumer complaints filed. You can file a complaint with the FTC by clicking here.
