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How to File an FTC Complaint About Debt Collection

by

JG Wentworth

March 11, 2025

6 min

Federal Trade commission exterior building.

Dealing with aggressive or potentially illegal debt collection practices can be stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a way for consumers to report these issues. This guide walks you through the entire process of filing an FTC complaint about debt collection, from identifying violations to following up after submission…*

Understanding your rights under the FDCPA

Before filing a complaint, it’s important to understand what constitutes a violation. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Under this law, debt collectors:

  • Cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Cannot contact you at work if you’ve told them not to.
  • Cannot harass, threaten, or use obscene language.
  • Cannot make false statements or misrepresent themselves.
  • Cannot threaten legal action they don’t intend to take.
  • Must identify themselves as debt collectors.
  • Must provide written verification of the debt upon request.
  • Must cease contact if you send a written request.

When to file an FTC complaint

Consider filing a complaint if a debt collector has:

  • Called repeatedly to harass you.
  • Used threatening language or intimidation tactics.
  • Discussed your debt with unauthorized third parties.
  • Attempted to collect more than you owe.
  • Failed to validate the debt after you requested verification.
  • Continued collection efforts after receiving a written cease communication request.
  • Attempted to collect a debt that is beyond the statute of limitations.
  • Made false claims about the consequences of non-payment.

Step-by-step guide to filing an FTC complaint

Follow these steps to move forward as efficiently as possible:

Step 1: Gather your information

Before starting the complaint process, collect:

  • Your personal contact information.
  • The debt collector’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Account numbers associated with the debt.
  • Dates and times of problematic communications.
  • Details about specific violations.
  • Copies of any relevant communications (letters, emails, etc.).
  • Call logs or recordings if available.

Step 2: Access the FTC complaint form

There are three ways to file a complaint with the FTC:

  1. Online: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  2. Phone: Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
  3. Mail: Send your complaint to:

Federal Trade Commission

Consumer Response Center

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20580

The online method is the most efficient and recommended approach.

Step 3: Navigate the online complaint process

  1. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  2. Click “Report Now.”
  3. Select “Debt Collection” from the category options.
  4. Follow the prompts to provide details about your situation.
  5. Be as specific as possible about what happened and when.
  6. Provide all requested contact information for yourself and the debt collector.
  7. Review your complaint for accuracy before submitting.

Step 4: Complete the complaint form

When filling out the form, be sure to:

  • Provide a clear chronology of events.
  • Focus on facts rather than emotions.
  • Include specific dates, times, and names.
  • Quote the debt collector verbatim when possible.
  • Explain how the collector’s actions violate the FDCPA.
  • Include details about any financial or emotional harm you’ve suffered.
  • Attach copies of relevant documents if submitting by mail.
  • Describe any previous attempts to resolve the issue with the collector.

Step 5: Submit your complaint

After reviewing your information, submit the complaint. You will receive a confirmation number that you should save for your records.

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What happens after you file

After filing your complaint:
  1. Documentation: The FTC will document your complaint in their Consumer Sentinel database.
  2. Analysis: Your complaint will be analyzed along with others to identify patterns of law violations.
  3. Law enforcement: While the FTC doesn’t resolve individual complaints, they use complaint data to build cases against companies and debt collectors with patterns of abuse.
  4. No direct resolution: The FTC does not act as an intermediary to resolve your specific complaint with the debt collector.

Additional actions to consider

Filing an FTC complaint is important but may not directly resolve your individual situation. Consider these additional steps:

File a complaint with the CFPB

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can take action on individual complaints: The CFPB will forward your complaint to the company and work to get a response.

Contact your state attorney general

Many state attorneys general have consumer protection divisions that can:
  • Mediate disputes.
  • Take enforcement action against violators.
  • Provide additional resources.
Find your state attorney general’s contact information at naag.org.

Send a cease communication letter

Under the FDCPA, you can send a written request for a debt collector to stop contacting you. After receiving this letter, they can only contact you to:
  • Confirm they will stop contacting you.
  • Notify you of specific actions they intend to take.
Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested.

Consider legal action

If violations are serious, you may want to:
  • Consult with a consumer rights attorney.
  • Consider filing a lawsuit in state or federal court.
  • Seek damages of up to $1,000 plus actual damages.
Many attorneys who handle FDCPA cases work on contingency or may be entitled to have their fees paid by the debt collector if you win.

The bottom line

Filing an FTC complaint about debt collection practices is an important step in protecting your rights and helping enforcement agencies identify bad actors in the debt collection industry. While the FTC may not resolve your individual case, your complaint contributes to their broader enforcement efforts and may lead to actions that help many consumers. Remember that you have multiple avenues for addressing debt collection issues, and persistence often pays off. By understanding your rights and taking appropriate action, you can stand up to abusive debt collection practices and help ensure fair treatment for yourself and other consumers.

There’s always JG Wentworth…

If you have $10,000 or more in unsecured debt there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for the JG Wentworth Debt Relief Program.* Some of our program perks include:
  • One monthly program payment 
  • We negotiate on your behalf 
  • Average debt resolution in as little as 48-60 months 
  • We only get paid when we settle your debt  
If you think you qualify for our program, give us a call today so we can go over the best options for your specific financial needs. Why go it alone when you can have a dedicated team on your side?

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* Program length varies depending on individual situation. Programs are between 24 and 60 months in length. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 43% before our 25% program fee. This is a Debt resolution program provided by JGW Debt Settlement, LLC (“JGW” of “Us”)). JGW offers this program in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, NY, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, DC, and WI. If a consumer residing in CT, GA, HI, IL, KS, ME, NH, NJ, OH, RI, SC and VT contacts Us we may connect them with a law firm that provides debt resolution services in their state. JGW is licensed/registered to provide debt resolution services in states where licensing/registration is required.

Debt resolution program results will vary by individual situation. As such, debt resolution services are not appropriate for everyone. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all individuals who enroll complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Savings resulting from successful negotiations may result in tax consequences, please consult with a tax professional regarding these consequences. The use of the debt settlement services and the failure to make payments to creditors: (1) Will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness (credit rating/credit score) and make it harder to obtain credit; (2) May result in your being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money you owe due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Failure to pay your monthly bills in a timely manner will result in increased balances and will harm your credit rating. Not all creditors will agree to reduce principal balance, and they may pursue collection, including lawsuits. JGW’s fees are calculated based on a percentage of the debt enrolled in the program. Read and understand the program agreement prior to enrollment.

This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Such information or materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied on in that respect. We suggest that you consult an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to answer any financial or legal questions.