Rhode Island Fair Debt Collection Law
Rhode Island General Laws Sections 19-14.9-1 to 19-14.9-14 deal with debt collection agencies. The Rhode Island Fair Debt Collection Practices Act virtually mirrors the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For example, the law says that:
- A debt collector can't call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and can't continually call or harass you
- A debt collector must tell you his name and that he's trying to collect a debt
- A debt collector can't use profanity or obscene language
- A debt collection agency can only contact a third party once, and then only to locate you
- A debt collector can't contact you via postcard or use an envelope that indicates that the agency is trying to collect a debt
- A debt collection agency can't contact you directly if it knows you have an attorney
- A debt collection agency can't call you at work if your employer objects to outside calls
- A debt collector can't threaten you with violence
- A debt collection agency can't lead you to believe that it's a government agency or a law firm
- A debt collector can't tell you that you've committed a crime
- A debt collection agency can't deposit or threaten to deposit a postdated check
- Within five days of contacting you, a debt collection agency must send you a written notice stating the amount you owe, the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and a statement telling you about your 30-day right to dispute
- A debt collection agency can't contact you again once you've written a cease and desist letter, unless it's notifying you that it is taking legal action or that it's no longer going to try and collect the debt
Rhode Island law allows individual consumers to sue debt collection agencies. A successful lawsuit filed in the state can result in an award of actual damages, additional damages of up to $1,000, attorney fees, and court costs. This is in addition to being able to sue a debt collection agency for violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
With the help of a fair debt attorney, you can often reach a settlement with a debt collection agency that either puts money in your pocket or erases part or all of that debt. Complete the form to the right, and the legal team at StopCollector.com will provide you with a free case evaluation. If the debt collector has violated Rhode Island state law and the FDCPA, we'll take your case absolutely free.
File a Complaint
If you've been the victim of illegal fair debt or fair credit practices, you should file a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General. Often, attorneys general use consumer complaints as the basis for filing lawsuits against debt collection agencies. Filing a complaint is a way of making your voice heard, and of helping to put a stop to unethical debt collection practices.
You can download a complaint form from the Rhode Island Attorney General's office by clicking here.
Here's the contact information to call or send a written complaint to the Rhode Island Attorney General:
Department of Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-274-4400
You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It looks at patterns of consumer complaints and holds shady debt collection agencies accountable by suing them and fining them. It’s also required to provide Congress with an annual report about debt collection and credit reporting practices that includes the number of consumer complaints filed. You can file a complaint with the FTC by clicking here.
