PA State Law Protecting Consumers from Debt Collectors

Pennsylvania has a law that somewhat mirrors the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).  It is called the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.  In general, it provides consumers protection from debt collectors AND creditors.  What follows is a brief summary of the law.  A creditor and/or debt collector may not:

• Communicate with a third party about your debt unless they have your prior consent or the express permission of a court.
• Communicate with you at unusual times or places, or at work if they know your employer does not approve of the contact.
• Harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third party while collecting a debt.
• Make or use any false or misleading statements when collecting a debt.
• Use unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt.

Source:  PA Attorney General Tom Corbett’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Booklet