Credit Card companies and other creditors are permitted to contact Pennsylvania residents directly regarding debts, particularly in a situation involving delinquent payments.

However, debt collection agencies are required to comply with the the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and are therefore prohibited from taking certain actions.

Under the FDCPA, collection agencies are prohibited from informing employers about a debt or attempting to collect a fee in excess of any debt owed. Debt collection agencies are also prohibited from communicating in a manner that simulates a judicial process or gives the appearance of a governmental action.

Additionally, debt collection agencies are prohibited from contacting debtors or debtor family members at unusual hours or with a frequency that may be reasonably construed under the law as harassment or abuse.

Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act regulates the debt collection activities of debt collectors and creditors in Pennsylvania and protects consumers from abusive or overreaching debt collection practices by debt collectors and debt collection agencies.

The FDCPA and Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act Act cover consumer debts used primarily for personal, family or household purposes, such as credit cards, auto loans, utility bills, medical bills, mortgages and in some instances, student loans.

Debts owed to a government agency, such as taxes, child support and unpaid parking tickets, are not covered under these consumer protection laws. The Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act covers only the collection of consumer debt and does not apply to debts for business, investment, commercial or agricultural purposes.