You can file a complaint against a debt collector.

Federal law allows consumers to file complaints about abusive debt collection practices with the CFPB, state attorneys general or the FTC, and those complaints address the collector's conduct rather than the underlying debt.

Debt collection activity has risen as household credit burdens remain elevated. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets limits on how collectors may contact and speak to consumers. Violations such as harassment, deceptive tactics, or improper disclosure of debt are reported with some frequency. This raises the question of whether consumers can file complaints when collectors cross legal boundaries. What to know: - Federal protections under the FDCPA restrict abusive or deceptive collection practices. - Complaints can be filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), state attorneys general, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). - Commonly reported violations include repeated harassing calls, improper threats, and disclosure of debts to third parties. - Filing a complaint addresses the collector's conduct but does not itself eliminate the underlying debt. Summary: Complaints to agencies like the CFPB, state attorneys general or the FTC can lead to investigations or enforcement actions based on reported conduct. Filing a complaint is a means to address alleged violations of collection rules, while the status of the underlying debt remains separate. Undetermined at this time.