Debt Collector Laws by State (2026)
About this article
Sourced from primary statutes (U.S. Code, CFR, state compiled statutes) and official government agency guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
Compare by state
Statute citations are verified per state. Select a state to jump to its full section below.
| Primary statute | |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Ala. Code § 6-2-34 — 6-Year Statute of Limitations |
| Alaska | Alaska Exemptions — Alaska Stat. § 09.38 |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 44-1521 et seq. — Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (debt collection enforcement) |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Constitution, Art. 19, § 13 — usury interest-rate cap |
| California | California Civil Code § 1788 — Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act |
| Colorado | C.R.S. § 5-16-101 et seq. — Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (covers original creditors) |
| Connecticut | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-645 — Debt collection licensing |
| Delaware | Delaware Consumer Fraud Act, 6 Del. C. § 2511 et seq. |
| District of Columbia | D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, D.C. Code § 28-3901 et seq. |
| Florida | Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act, Fla. Stat. § 559.55-559.785 |
| Hawaii | Hawaii UDAP — HRS § 480-2 |
| Idaho | Idaho Code § 48-601 et seq. — Idaho Consumer Protection Act |
| Illinois | 225 ILCS 425 — Illinois Collection Agency Act (licensing requirements) |
| Indiana | Indiana Code § 25-11-1 — collection agency licensing requirements |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 537.7101 — Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act |
| Kansas | K.S.A. § 50-623 — Kansas Consumer Protection Act (Debt Collection) |
| Kentucky | KRS § 413.090 — Statute of Limitations for Written Contracts |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3494 — Three-Year Prescriptive Period on Open Accounts |
| Maine | 5 M.R.S.A. § 205-A et seq. — Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act |
| Maryland | Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act, MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-201 et seq. |
| Massachusetts | MGL c. 93A — Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (treble damages for violations) |
| Michigan | Michigan Collection Practices Act, MCL § 445.251 et seq. |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 332.31 — Collection Agency Act |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-29 — 3-year limitations on contracts |
| Missouri | Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, RSMo § 407.010 |
| Montana | Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-103 — Consumer Protection Act (unfair/deceptive practices) |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 59-1601 — Nebraska Consumer Protection Act |
| Nevada | NRS 649 — Collection Agencies |
| New Hampshire | RSA 358-A — NH Consumer Protection Act (debt collection) |
| New Jersey | NJ Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 |
| New Mexico | NMSA § 57-12-1 et seq. — Unfair Practices Act (debt collection) |
| New York | NY General Business Law § 601 — prohibited debt collection practices |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-50 et seq. — NC Debt Collection Act |
| North Dakota | N.D. Cent. Code § 13-05 — Collection Agency Licensing |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Statute of Limitations — Written Contracts, 12 Okl. St. § 95 |
| Oregon | Oregon Unfair Debt Collection Practices Act — ORS § 646.639 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, 73 P.S. § 2270.4 |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-1 et seq. — Deceptive Trade Practices Act (debt collection) |
| South Carolina | SC Consumer Protection Code, S.C. Code § 37-1-101 et seq. |
| South Dakota | SDCL § 15-2-13 — 6-Year Statute of Limitations on Contracts |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Collection Service Act |
| Texas | Texas Debt Collection Act, Tex. Fin. Code § 392 |
| Utah | Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act — Utah Code § 13-11-1 |
| Vermont | 9 V.S.A. § 2451 et seq. — Vermont Consumer Fraud Act |
| Virginia | Virginia Consumer Protection Act, Va. Code § 59.1-196 et seq. |
| Washington | Washington Collection Agency Act, RCW 19.16 |
| West Virginia | W. Va. Code § 46A-1-101 et seq. — Consumer Credit and Protection Act |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Consumer Act, Wis. Stat. § 427.104 |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105 — 10-year limitation (written contracts) / 8-year (oral contracts) |
What is this right?
Before 1977, debt collectors could call your house at 2 a.m., tell your neighbors you were a deadbeat, threaten violence, and pretend to be lawyers or cops. Congress passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that year because nothing else had worked. The basic rules are still the same: no calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time, no threats, no profanity, no telling third parties about your debt, no lying about what you owe — and you have the right to shut the contact off entirely with a single written cease-and-desist letter.
One catch trips up almost everyone: the FDCPA only covers third-party collectors — agencies that bought your debt or are collecting on someone else's behalf. The original creditor calling about your own credit card isn't covered. Some state laws fill that gap; most don't. Either way, when the FDCPA does apply, you can sue for actual damages plus up to $1,000 in statutory damages per case, and the collector pays your attorney's fees.
When does it apply?
The FDCPA kicks in when:
- A third-party debt collector contacts you about a debt — by phone, mail, email, or text.
- The debt is personal, family, or household — credit cards, medical bills, student loans, auto loans. Business debts are not covered.
- The person calling is not the original company you borrowed from. If your bank itself is calling about your bank credit card, that's outside the FDCPA (though state law and CFPB Regulation F may still apply).
A few things people get wrong:
- "They can call whenever they want." No. The 8 a.m.–9 p.m. window is in your local time zone, and once you tell them your employer doesn't allow personal calls at work, calls to your job are out too.
- "I have to talk to them." You don't. One certified letter telling them to stop, and they can only contact you again to confirm they're stopping or to notify you of a specific lawsuit.
- "Old debts never go away." Every state has a statute of limitations on suing for a debt — usually three to six years from the last activity. After that, the collector can still ask, but they can't take you to court. Watch out: in many states, even a small payment or written acknowledgment of an old debt restarts the clock.
What to Do If a Debt Collector Is Harassing You
Build the paper trail before you do anything else. Most FDCPA cases turn on what was said and when.
Step 1: Demand the validation letter. Under § 1692g, the collector must give you written notice of the debt amount, the original creditor's name, and your right to dispute — either inside the first communication or within five days of it. If they didn't, that's itself a violation.
Step 2: Dispute in writing within 30 days. If something's off — wrong amount, wrong person, debt you already paid — send a written dispute by certified mail with return receipt. Collection has to pause until they verify.
Step 3: Log every call. Date, time, the collector's name, the agency, what was said. Save every letter, voicemail, and text. This is your case if it ends up in front of a judge.
Step 4: Send the cease-and-desist letter. Once you want the contact to stop entirely, send it certified mail. After they receive it, contact has to stop except to confirm they're stopping or to give notice of a specific legal action.
Step 5: File the complaint. CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or (855) 411-2372, and your state attorney general. The CFPB forwards your complaint to the company and tracks the response — that paper trail matters.
What should you NOT do?
Don't go silent on a legitimate debt. Stopping the calls doesn't stop the lawsuit. Ignored, a real debt can become a default judgment, then wage garnishment, then a credit hit that lasts seven years. Find out what you actually owe before you decide how to play it.
Don't hand out your bank account or Social Security number on an inbound call. Scammers calling themselves debt collectors are a multi-billion-dollar industry. If the call surprises you, hang up and call the original creditor at the number on your statement.
Don't pay anything on an old debt without checking the statute of limitations first. In a lot of states, a $20 payment on a time-barred debt resets the clock and hands the collector a fresh right to sue. Verify the date of last activity before sending a dollar.
Don't agree to a payment plan that breaks your budget. Collectors are paid to push you to your limit. You can counter-offer, negotiate a lump-sum settlement (often 30–50% of the balance), or talk to a nonprofit credit counselor first — try the NFCC at nfcc.org.
Worked example
ScenarioA debt collector calls you at 10:30 p.m. three nights in a row and keeps calling your office after you've told them your employer prohibits such calls.
OutcomeBoth practices violate the federal FDCPA: collectors may not contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and must stop calling you at work once told. You can sue for your actual damages plus up to $1,000 in statutory damages, and recover your attorney's fees.
Verified against the FDCPA — call-time limits (15 U.S.C. §1692c) and the up-to-$1,000 statutory-damages cap (§1692k). Many states add their own remedies; see your state's section.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.
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See all 12 letter types →Common Questions
When can debt collectors legally call me?
Under the federal FDCPA, collectors generally can't contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your local time. They also can't call you at work once you tell them your employer prohibits such calls, or keep contacting you after you send a written request to stop.
How do I make a debt collector stop contacting me?
Send a written 'cease communication' request and keep a copy. After they receive it, the FDCPA limits them to confirming they'll stop or telling you about a specific step like a lawsuit. Stopping contact doesn't erase the debt, but it ends the calls.
What can I do if a collector breaks the law?
You can sue in state or federal court, generally within one year. The FDCPA lets you recover your actual damages plus up to $1,000 in statutory damages, and the collector usually pays your attorney's fees. Many states add their own penalties — see your state's section above.
Can I dispute a debt I don't think I owe?
Yes. If you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of the collector's first notice, they must stop collection until they mail you verification of the debt. Always get a debt validated before paying anything you're unsure about.
Do state laws give me more protection than the FDCPA?
Often, yes. Some states license collectors, shorten the time limit to sue on old debts, or add their own damages. State law applies on top of the FDCPA, and whichever gives you more protection controls. Check your state's section above.
State-by-state details
Alabama
Primary statute: Ala. Code § 6-2-34 — 6-Year Statute of Limitations
Full Alabama guide →Alaska
Primary statute: Alaska Exemptions — Alaska Stat. § 09.38
Alaska consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and Alaska's Prior Notice to Debtor statute:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- Alaska requires creditors to send 30 days' written notice before filing a lawsuit on a debt
- Alaska's statute of limitations is 3 years for oral contracts and 6 years for written contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage, whichever is less
- Alaska provides a generous homestead exemption of up to $72,900
- The PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) may be subject to garnishment for certain debts
Arizona
Primary statute: A.R.S. § 44-1521 et seq. — Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (debt collection enforcement)
Arizona regulates debt collection under the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act alongside the federal FDCPA:
- The Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (A.R.S. § 44-1521 et seq.) prohibits deceptive and fraudulent practices, including abusive debt collection
- Arizona does not have a separate state debt collection practices act, but the Consumer Fraud Act provides broad protections
- Arizona's statute of limitations on debt: 6 years for written contracts; 3 years for oral contracts; 6 years for credit card debt (treated as written contracts)
- Arizona allows wage garnishment but limits it to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage
- Arizona provides a $150,000 homestead exemption from debt collection
- Debt collectors operating in Arizona must comply with both federal FDCPA and Arizona Consumer Fraud Act
Arkansas
Primary statute: Arkansas Constitution, Art. 19, § 13 — usury interest-rate cap
Arkansas has some of the strongest debtor protections in the country through its constitutional usury provision:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Arkansas Constitution (Art. 19, § 13) caps interest rates — one of the few states with a constitutional usury limit
- Arkansas's statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Arkansas provides a generous homestead exemption — unlimited value for property up to certain acreage (80 acres rural, 1/4 acre urban)
California
Primary statute: California Civil Code § 1788 — Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
California has one of the strongest debt collection laws in the country — the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:
- Rosenthal Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788 et seq.): Extends FDCPA-style protections to original creditors, not just third-party collectors. This means your bank, credit card company, or medical provider must follow the same rules as a collection agency.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations on most consumer debt in California is 4 years (Code of Civil Procedure § 337). After 4 years, a collector cannot sue you for the debt.
- Exemptions from garnishment: California protects up to 75% of your disposable earnings from wage garnishment. Certain income — Social Security, disability, unemployment — is fully exempt.
- Debt buyer licensing: Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.50, companies that buy and collect debt must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Colorado
Primary statute: C.R.S. § 5-16-101 et seq. — Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (covers original creditors)
Colorado regulates debt collection under the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CRS § 5-16-101 et seq.) provides protections that complement the federal FDCPA
- Colorado's law applies to both original creditors and third-party collectors — broader than the federal FDCPA which only covers third-party collectors
- Prohibited practices include: threats, harassment, deceptive representations, and unfair practices
- Collectors cannot contact debtors at unreasonable hours (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM)
- Colorado's statute of limitations is 6 years for most consumer debts
- Colorado provides strong protections against wage garnishment — the garnishment exemption is the greater of 80% of disposable weekly earnings or 40 times the state minimum wage per week (approximately $2,628/month in 2026, adjusted annually)
- Private right of action available with actual damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees
Connecticut
Primary statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-645 — Debt collection licensing
Connecticut has its own debt collection statute in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- Connecticut's debt collection regulations (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-645 et seq.) require debt collectors to be licensed
- Connecticut's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40x the state minimum wage, whichever is less
- Connecticut provides a homestead exemption of $250,000
Delaware
Primary statute: Delaware Consumer Fraud Act, 6 Del. C. § 2511 et seq.
Delaware consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Delaware Consumer Fraud Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Delaware Consumer Fraud Act (Del. Code tit. 6, § 2511 et seq.) prohibits deceptive practices in debt collection
- Delaware's statute of limitations is 3 years for most contract claims
- Wage garnishment is limited to 15% of disposable earnings — more protective than federal law
- Delaware provides a homestead exemption — though it is relatively modest compared to some states
- Delaware is home to many credit card companies; its consumer protection laws interact heavily with financial services
District of Columbia
Primary statute: D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, D.C. Code § 28-3901 et seq.
D.C. provides robust consumer protections for residents dealing with debt collectors:
- D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act (D.C. Code § 28-3901 et seq.): Broadly prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices, including abusive debt collection. Provides for treble damages, attorney's fees, and punitive damages.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations on most consumer debt in D.C. is 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(7)), one of the shortest in the country.
- D.C. Debt Collection Licensing: Debt collectors operating in D.C. must be licensed by the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB).
- Wage garnishment limits: D.C. limits wage garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly earnings exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum wage, whichever is less (D.C. Code § 16-572).
Florida
Primary statute: Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act, Fla. Stat. § 559.55-559.785
Florida provides some of the strongest asset protections for debtors in the country:
- Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (Fla. Stat. § 559.55-559.785): Florida's state FDCPA equivalent. Prohibits deceptive, unfair, and abusive collection practices. Applies to both original creditors and third-party collectors.
- Statute of limitations: 5 years for most written contracts (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b)). After 5 years, collectors cannot sue.
- Wage garnishment protections: Florida exempts the first $750/week of disposable earnings for heads of household from garnishment (Fla. Stat. § 222.11). Non-heads of household follow the federal standard (25% of disposable earnings).
- Homestead exemption: Florida has one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country. Your primary residence is completely exempt from forced sale to pay most debts — regardless of value — as long as the property is 1/2 acre or less in a municipality or 160 acres outside a municipality (Fla. Const. Art. X, § 4).
Hawaii
Primary statute: Hawaii UDAP — HRS § 480-2
Full Hawaii guide →Idaho
Primary statute: Idaho Code § 48-601 et seq. — Idaho Consumer Protection Act
Idaho consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Idaho Consumer Protection Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Idaho Consumer Protection Act (Idaho Code § 48-601 et seq.) prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices, including abusive debt collection
- Idaho has a 5-year statute of limitations on written contracts and 4 years on oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Idaho provides a homestead exemption of up to $175,000 (one of the higher exemptions in the region)
Illinois
Primary statute: 225 ILCS 425 — Illinois Collection Agency Act (licensing requirements)
Illinois provides additional consumer protections beyond the federal FDCPA:
- Illinois Collection Agency Act (225 ILCS 425): Requires all collection agencies to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Unlicensed collectors cannot legally pursue debts in Illinois.
- Statute of limitations: 5 years for written contracts; 10 years for written promissory notes (735 ILCS 5/13-206). Shorter than some states for credit card debt.
- Wage garnishment protections: Illinois protects the greater of 85% of gross wages or 45 times the federal minimum wage from garnishment (735 ILCS 5/12-803). These limits are stronger than the federal standard.
- Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505): Provides a state-level cause of action for deceptive debt collection practices with potential for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Indiana
Primary statute: Indiana Code § 25-11-1 — collection agency licensing requirements
Indiana regulates debt collection primarily through the federal FDCPA with some state-specific rules:
- Indiana does not have a comprehensive state debt collection act — the federal FDCPA is the primary law
- Indiana's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (IC § 24-5-0.5) may apply to deceptive collection practices
- Collection agencies must be licensed in Indiana (IC § 25-11-1 et seq.)
- Collectors cannot contact debtors at unreasonable hours (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM)
- Indiana's statute of limitations on most consumer debt is 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for open accounts
- Indiana allows wage garnishment — creditors can garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less
Iowa
Primary statute: Iowa Code § 537.7101 — Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act
Iowa consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act (Iowa Code § 537.7101 et seq.) provides additional protections — it applies to both creditors and third-party collectors
- Iowa's statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts and 5 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40x the federal minimum wage
- Iowa provides a homestead exemption with no monetary limit (limited by acreage: 1/2 acre in city, 40 acres outside)
Kansas
Primary statute: K.S.A. § 50-623 — Kansas Consumer Protection Act (Debt Collection)
Kansas consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Kansas Consumer Protection Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Kansas Consumer Protection Act (K.S.A. § 50-623 et seq.) prohibits deceptive and unconscionable practices
- Kansas's statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Kansas provides a homestead exemption of unlimited value for 1 acre within city limits or 160 acres of farmland
Kentucky
Primary statute: KRS § 413.090 — Statute of Limitations for Written Contracts
Kentucky does not have a comprehensive state debt collection statute beyond the federal FDCPA:
- Federal FDCPA is the primary protection
- Kentucky's statute of limitations on written contracts is 10 years (for contracts after July 1, 2014; 15 years for pre-2014 contracts) and 5 years for oral contracts
- Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (KRS § 367.110 et seq.) provides remedies for unfair or deceptive practices
Louisiana
Primary statute: Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3494 — Three-Year Prescriptive Period on Open Accounts
Full Louisiana guide →Maine
Primary statute: 5 M.R.S.A. § 205-A et seq. — Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act
Maine consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (5 M.R.S.A. § 205-A et seq.) prohibits unfair and deceptive acts, including abusive debt collection
- Maine also has the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (32 M.R.S.A. § 11001 et seq.) which licenses and regulates debt collectors in the state
- Maine has a 6-year statute of limitations on written contracts and 6 years on oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40x the federal minimum wage
- Maine provides a homestead exemption of up to $47,500 (or $95,000 for those over 60 or disabled)
Maryland
Primary statute: Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act, MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-201 et seq.
Maryland regulates debt collection under the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MD Code, Commercial Law § 14-201 et seq.) provides strong protections
- Prohibited practices include: threats, harassment, abuse, false or misleading representations, and unfair practices
- Collectors cannot contact debtors at unreasonable hours or places
- MD law prohibits collecting amounts not authorized by the debt agreement or by law
- Maryland's statute of limitations on most consumer debt is 3 years for open accounts and 3 years for written contracts
- Collectors cannot threaten or pursue legal action on time-barred debts
- Maryland provides a private right of action with potential actual damages, statutory damages, and attorney fees
Massachusetts
Primary statute: MGL c. 93A — Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (treble damages for violations)
Massachusetts regulates debt collection under strong state consumer protection laws in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The MA Attorney General's Debt Collection Regulations (940 CMR 7.00) provide protections that exceed the federal FDCPA
- Prohibited practices include: threats, harassment, misrepresentation, contacting third parties about debts, and calling before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM
- MA regulations prohibit debt collectors from communicating with a debtor's employer about the debt (with limited exceptions)
- Collectors must send written validation of the debt within 5 days of initial contact
- MA's statute of limitations on most consumer debt is 6 years (contracts) and 6 years (open accounts)
- MA's consumer protection law (MGL c. 93A) allows private lawsuits with potential treble damages plus attorney fees
Michigan
Primary statute: Michigan Collection Practices Act, MCL § 445.251 et seq.
Michigan regulates debt collection under the Michigan Collection Practices Act (MCPA) alongside the federal FDCPA:
- The MCPA (MCL § 445.251 et seq.) prohibits deceptive, threatening, and abusive collection practices
- Prohibited acts include: threatening violence, using obscene language, misrepresenting the debt amount, and contacting debtors at unreasonable times or places
- Michigan's statute of limitations on consumer debt is 6 years for most written contracts and credit cards
- Michigan allows wage garnishment for consumer debts, but state and federal limits apply (generally the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage)
- Michigan provides exemptions that protect certain property from debt collection (homestead exemption, personal property exemptions)
Minnesota
Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 332.31 — Collection Agency Act
Minnesota regulates debt collection under the Minnesota Collection Agency Act and the Consumer Fraud Act:
- The Collection Agency Act (Minn. Stat. § 332.31 et seq.) requires debt collectors to be licensed
- Prohibited practices: threats, harassment, misrepresentation, contacting at unreasonable hours
- Minnesota's statute of limitations on consumer debt is 6 years for most contracts
- Minnesota provides strong wage garnishment protections — only 25% of disposable earnings can be garnished
- Minnesota's Consumer Fraud Act (Minn. Stat. § 325F.69) provides additional remedies for deceptive practices
Mississippi
Primary statute: Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-29 — 3-year limitations on contracts
Mississippi relies primarily on the federal FDCPA, but the state's Consumer Protection Act provides a meaningful private right of action with punitive damages:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors.
- Mississippi Consumer Protection Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-24-1 et seq.): private right of action for unfair or deceptive acts in consumer transactions, including debt-collection abuses where they meet the UDAP standard. Provides actual damages + reasonable attorney's fees + punitive damages for willful violations.
- Mississippi's statute of limitations is 3 years for most contract claims (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-29).
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30× the federal minimum wage.
- Mississippi provides a homestead exemption of up to $75,000 in value (160 acres maximum) under Miss. Code Ann. § 85-3-21.
- Mississippi AG Consumer Protection Division: 1-800-281-4418 (toll-free) for debt-collection complaints.
Missouri
Primary statute: Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, RSMo § 407.010
Missouri regulates debt collection primarily through the federal FDCPA with some state protections:
- Missouri does not have a comprehensive state-specific debt collection act — the federal FDCPA is the primary law
- The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (RSMo § 407.010 et seq.) prohibits deceptive practices in commerce, which can apply to debt collection
- Collection agencies must register with the Missouri Division of Finance
- Collectors cannot contact debtors at unreasonable hours (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM)
- Missouri's statute of limitations is 10 years for written contracts (RSMo § 516.110) and 5 years for open accounts (RSMo § 516.120)
- Missouri allows wage garnishment — creditors can garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings or 10% of wages paid on a weekly basis, whichever is greater
Montana
Primary statute: Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-103 — Consumer Protection Act (unfair/deceptive practices)
Montana consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Montana Consumer Protection Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Montana Consumer Protection Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-103) prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, including abusive debt collection
- Montana also licenses collection agencies through the Montana Department of Administration
- Montana has a 5-year statute of limitations on written contracts and 5 years on oral contracts
- Wage garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Montana provides a homestead exemption of up to $350,000 — one of the highest in the nation
Nebraska
Primary statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 59-1601 — Nebraska Consumer Protection Act
Full Nebraska guide →Nevada
Primary statute: NRS 649 — Collection Agencies
Full Nevada guide →New Hampshire
Primary statute: RSA 358-A — NH Consumer Protection Act (debt collection)
New Hampshire consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the NH Consumer Protection Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A) prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices, including abusive debt collection
- New Hampshire has a 3-year statute of limitations on most debt actions (RSA 508:4)
- Wage garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 50x the federal minimum wage — NH's formula is more protective than the federal standard
- NH provides a homestead exemption of up to $400,000
New Jersey
Primary statute: NJ Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 56:8-1
New Jersey provides additional consumer protections beyond the federal FDCPA:
- NJ Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.): One of the broadest consumer protection statutes in the country. It covers deceptive debt collection practices and provides for treble (triple) damages and attorney's fees.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations on most consumer debt in New Jersey is 6 years (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1).
- Debt buyer regulations: NJ requires debt buyers to have documentation of the original debt before filing lawsuits. Under NJ Court Rules, they must provide the original credit agreement and a complete chain-of-title showing how they acquired the debt.
- Wage garnishment limits: New Jersey limits wage garnishment to 10% of gross income if you earn $250 or less per week, and 25% if you earn more than $250 per week (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56).
New Mexico
Primary statute: NMSA § 57-12-1 et seq. — Unfair Practices Act (debt collection)
New Mexico consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The New Mexico Unfair Practices Act (NMSA § 57-12-1 et seq.) prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices in debt collection
- New Mexico's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts (under the UCC)
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- New Mexico provides a homestead exemption of up to $60,000
New York
Primary statute: NY General Business Law § 601 — prohibited debt collection practices
Full New York guide →North Carolina
Primary statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-50 et seq. — NC Debt Collection Act
North Carolina regulates debt collection under the NC Debt Collection Act in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The NC Debt Collection Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-50 et seq.) applies to third-party debt collectors
- Prohibited practices include: threats of violence, obscene language, publishing debtor lists, misrepresenting the amount owed, and contacting debtors at unreasonable hours
- Unreasonable hours are defined as before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM
- NC also prohibits unfair debt collection practices under the NC Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1)
- NC's statute of limitations on debt is 3 years for most consumer debts (open accounts and oral contracts)
- Collectors cannot threaten to garnish wages for debts that are time-barred
North Dakota
Primary statute: N.D. Cent. Code § 13-05 — Collection Agency Licensing
Full North Dakota guide →Oklahoma
Primary statute: Oklahoma Statute of Limitations — Written Contracts, 12 Okl. St. § 95
Oklahoma does not have a comprehensive state debt collection act beyond the federal FDCPA:
- Federal FDCPA is the primary protection
- Oklahoma's statute of limitations on most written contracts is 5 years
- Oklahoma allows wage garnishment — 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30x federal minimum wage
- Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act (15 Okl. St. § 751 et seq.) provides additional remedies for deceptive practices
Oregon
Primary statute: Oregon Unfair Debt Collection Practices Act — ORS § 646.639
Oregon regulates debt collection under the Oregon Unfair Debt Collection Practices Act (UDCPA):
- The UDCPA (ORS § 646.639) prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair collection practices — similar to the federal FDCPA but applicable to original creditors too
- Oregon's statute of limitations on most consumer debts is 6 years
- Oregon provides strong wage garnishment protections — the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding $254/week
- Oregon's Unlawful Trade Practices Act provides additional consumer protections
Pennsylvania
Primary statute: Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, 73 P.S. § 2270.4
Pennsylvania provides strong protections for consumers facing debt collection:
- Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (73 P.S. § 2270.4): Prohibits unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. Covers both original creditors and third-party collectors (broader than the federal FDCPA).
- Statute of limitations: 4 years for most consumer debts (42 Pa.C.S. § 5525). After 4 years, collectors cannot sue you.
- Wage garnishment: Pennsylvania is one of the most debtor-friendly states for wage protection. State law exempts ALL wages from garnishment for most consumer debts. Exceptions exist only for child support, student loans, taxes, and restitution.
- Homestead exemption: While Pennsylvania does not have a strong homestead exemption like Texas, it does exempt $300 of personal property from execution under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8123 (a modest protection).
Rhode Island
Primary statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-1 et seq. — Deceptive Trade Practices Act (debt collection)
Rhode Island consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-1 et seq.) prohibits deceptive practices in debt collection
- Rhode Island's statute of limitations is 10 years for written contracts and 10 years for oral contracts — one of the longest in the nation
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits
- Rhode Island provides a homestead exemption of up to $500,000
South Carolina
Primary statute: SC Consumer Protection Code, S.C. Code § 37-1-101 et seq.
South Carolina does not have a comprehensive state debt collection law beyond the federal FDCPA:
- The federal FDCPA is the primary protection for SC consumers
- SC has the Consumer Protection Code (S.C. Code § 37-1-101 et seq.) which provides some protections against unfair practices
- SC's statute of limitations on most consumer debts is 3 years
- SC allows wage garnishment but provides exemptions for certain income
South Dakota
Primary statute: SDCL § 15-2-13 — 6-Year Statute of Limitations on Contracts
South Dakota consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- South Dakota does not have a comprehensive state debt collection practices act
- South Dakota's statute of limitations is 6 years for most contract claims
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- South Dakota provides a homestead exemption of unlimited value on 1 acre within a town or 160 acres of rural land
- South Dakota is home to many credit card companies (Citibank, etc.) due to favorable banking laws
Tennessee
Primary statute: Tennessee Collection Service Act
Tennessee regulates debt collection under the Tennessee Collection Service Act in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The Tennessee Collection Service Act (TCA § 62-20-101 et seq.) requires debt collectors to be licensed
- Third-party debt collectors must register with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Prohibited practices mirror the federal FDCPA: no threats, harassment, false representations, or unfair practices
- Collectors cannot contact debtors before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM
- Tennessee's statute of limitations on most consumer debt is 6 years for written contracts and promissory notes
- Tennessee does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts — only for taxes, child support, and student loans
Texas
Primary statute: Texas Debt Collection Act, Tex. Fin. Code § 392
Texas provides unique protections for debtors, particularly around wage garnishment:
- Texas Debt Collection Act (Tex. Fin. Code § 392): Prohibits debt collectors from using threats, harassment, or deceptive practices. Covers both original creditors and third-party collectors.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations on most consumer debt in Texas is 4 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004).
- No wage garnishment: Texas is one of the most debtor-friendly states in the country. Texas law generally prohibits wage garnishment for consumer debts (exceptions: child support, student loans, taxes, and court-ordered restitution).
- Homestead exemption: Texas offers one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the nation. Your primary home cannot be seized to satisfy most consumer debts, regardless of its value (Tex. Prop. Code § 41.001).
Utah
Primary statute: Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act — Utah Code § 13-11-1
Utah consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- Utah requires collection agencies to be registered with the Utah Department of Commerce
- Utah's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Utah provides a homestead exemption of up to $43,300 for an individual (doubled for married couples)
Vermont
Primary statute: 9 V.S.A. § 2451 et seq. — Vermont Consumer Fraud Act
Vermont consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and the Vermont Consumer Fraud Act:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- The Vermont Consumer Fraud Act (9 V.S.A. § 2451 et seq.) prohibits unfair and deceptive practices
- Vermont requires debt collectors to be licensed by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
- Vermont's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral contracts
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits
- Vermont provides a homestead exemption of up to $250,000
Virginia
Primary statute: Virginia Consumer Protection Act, Va. Code § 59.1-196 et seq.
Virginia regulates debt collection under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA) alongside the federal FDCPA:
- The VCPA (Va. Code § 59.1-196 et seq.) prohibits deceptive and fraudulent business practices, including abusive debt collection
- Virginia does not have a separate stand-alone state debt collection practices act, but the VCPA provides broad consumer protections
- Virginia's statute of limitations on debt: 5 years for written contracts; 3 years for oral contracts
- Virginia allows wage garnishment but limits it to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40 times the federal minimum wage
- Virginia provides homestead and personal property exemptions from debt collection
- Virginia does not allow garnishment of bank accounts below certain thresholds
Washington
Primary statute: Washington Collection Agency Act, RCW 19.16
Washington regulates debt collection under the Washington Collection Agency Act and the Consumer Protection Act:
- The Washington Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16) requires debt collectors to be licensed
- The Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices, including abusive debt collection
- Washington's statute of limitations on debt: 6 years for written contracts; 3 years for oral contracts
- Washington limits wage garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 35 times the state minimum wage (the state minimum wage threshold provides more protection than the federal formula)
- Washington provides generous property exemptions from debt collection, including homestead exemption up to $125,000
- Collectors must be licensed with the Washington Department of Licensing
West Virginia
Primary statute: W. Va. Code § 46A-1-101 et seq. — Consumer Credit and Protection Act
West Virginia has one of the strongest state debt-collection statutes in the country — the WVCCPA provides a private right of action against original creditors AND third-party collectors with statutory penalties indexed to inflation:
- WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act (W. Va. Code § 46A-1-101 et seq.): applies to both original creditors and third-party debt collectors (unlike the federal FDCPA, which covers only third-party collectors). Provides actual damages + statutory penalties of approximately $100–$1,000 per violation, adjusted for inflation to roughly $5,000 in 2026 + reasonable attorney's fees. Confirmed by Vanderbilt Mortgage v. Cole, 230 W. Va. 505, 740 S.E.2d 562 (2013) — the cornerstone case.
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors and runs in parallel with WVCCPA — a single act can violate both.
- West Virginia has a 10-year statute of limitations on written contracts (W. Va. Code § 55-2-6) and 5 years on oral contracts.
- Wage garnishment is limited to 20% of disposable earnings (more protective than the federal 25% limit).
- WV homestead exemption: up to $35,000.
- WV AG Consumer Protection Division: (304) 558-8986 or 1-800-368-8808.
Wisconsin
Primary statute: Wisconsin Consumer Act, Wis. Stat. § 427.104
Wisconsin regulates debt collection under the Wisconsin Consumer Act in addition to the federal FDCPA:
- The Wisconsin Consumer Act (Wis. Stat. § 427.104) provides protections that complement the federal FDCPA
- Prohibited practices include: threats, harassment, misrepresentation, and unfair practices
- Collectors cannot communicate with the debtor's employer about the debt (with limited exceptions)
- WI law prohibits deceptive representations about the legal status of a debt
- Wisconsin's statute of limitations is 6 years for most consumer debts (written contracts and open accounts)
- Wisconsin allows wage garnishment but provides a higher exemption than federal law — up to 80% of disposable earnings are exempt (Wis. Stat. § 812.34)
- Wisconsin provides a private right of action under the Consumer Act with statutory and actual damages
Wyoming
Primary statute: Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105 — 10-year limitation (written contracts) / 8-year (oral contracts)
Wyoming consumers are protected primarily by the federal FDCPA:
- The federal FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors
- Wyoming does not have a comprehensive state debt collection practices act
- Wyoming's statute of limitations is 10 years for written contracts and 8 years for oral contracts — one of the longest in the nation
- Wage garnishment follows federal limits: 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30x the federal minimum wage
- Wyoming provides a homestead exemption of up to $40,000 (or $60,000 if 60 or older)