What protections does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provide to consumers?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (1977) regulates third-party debt collectors (not original creditors collecting their own debt). It prohibits harassment, false representations, and unfair practices. Collectors cannot call outside the hours of 8 AM to 9 PM in the debtor's time zone, contact debtors at work after being told it is prohibited, threaten lawsuits they cannot legally file, or misrepresent the amount owed. Consumers have the right to send a written cease-communication letter, after which collectors can only contact them to confirm the debt or notify them of a specific action being taken. Violations entitle consumers to sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney's fees.