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.