#1
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, within how many days must a debt collector send the debtor a written notice with information about the debt?
30 days
ExplanationRequires debt collectors to provide written notice within 30 days of initial contact, detailing the debt's nature and amount.
#2
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is the consequence if a debtor sends a written request to the debt collector within 30 days of receiving the initial notice, disputing the debt or requesting verification?
The debt collector must stop all communication
ExplanationUpon receiving a dispute request, the debt collector must cease communication until providing verification of the debt.
#3
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is considered an 'unfair practice' by a debt collector?
Using deceptive or misleading practices
ExplanationProhibits debt collectors from employing deceptive or misleading practices in their collection activities.
#4
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is the consequence if a debtor disputes the debt within 30 days of receiving a validation notice?
The debt collector must provide verification of the debt
ExplanationRequires debt collectors to provide verification of the debt when a debtor disputes it within the specified timeframe.
#5
What is the significance of the term 'validation period' in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The time within which a debt collector must validate a debt upon request
ExplanationSpecifies the timeframe within which a debt collector must validate a debt upon the debtor's request.
#6
Which federal law governs fair debt collection practices in the United States?
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
ExplanationRegulates debt collection conduct to protect consumers from abusive practices.
#7
What is the maximum amount of debt collectors can request in a written communication without disclosing the validation of the debt?
$1,000
ExplanationDebt collectors can seek payment without disclosure for amounts below $1,000 in written communication.
#8
What is the purpose of the 'mini-Miranda' warning under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
To inform debtors about potential legal action
ExplanationInforms debtors of their rights and warns about potential legal consequences, similar to Miranda rights.
#9
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, when can a debt collector communicate with the debtor's attorney instead of the debtor?
Only if the debtor consents to it
ExplanationCommunication with the debtor's attorney is allowed only with the debtor's consent.
#10
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is the purpose of the 'dispute provision'?
To give debtors the right to dispute the validity of a debt
ExplanationEnsures consumers have the right to challenge and dispute the accuracy of a debt.
#11
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which of the following practices is prohibited?
Threatening legal action that is not intended or cannot be taken
ExplanationProhibits deceptive practices, including threats of legal action that cannot be or are not intended to be taken.
#12
What is the purpose of the 'debt validation' process under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
To dispute the validity of the debt
ExplanationAllows consumers to challenge and dispute the accuracy or existence of the debt.
#13
What does 'Cease and Desist' mean in the context of debt collection?
The debtor refuses to communicate with the debt collector
ExplanationIndicates the debtor's refusal to engage in further communication with the debt collector.
#14
In the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is considered a 'false representation' by a debt collector?
Misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of a debt
ExplanationProhibits misleading representations about the debt's details, such as its amount or legal status.
#15
In the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, what is the 'time-barred debt' concept?
Debts that are past the statute of limitations for legal action
ExplanationRefers to debts for which the legal timeframe for initiating collection actions has expired.