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Legal Topics: Debt Collection

Statutes: (Additional statutes, regulations & opinions may apply to your specific situation.)

  • United States Code. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is found at 15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following sections.
  • Minnesota Statutes. Index topic Collection Agencies.

    • Resources:

  • The Minnesota Attorney General's Office is often a good place to start. Look under Consumer, then Consumer A to Z for the topic Debt. Among the useful pamphlets is The Debt Collection Fact Sheet.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: Collection Agencies, from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
  • Collection Agencies are licensed by the Department of Commerce. Click here for information on filing a complaint.
  • Federal Trade Commission Factsheets.
  • Credit Counseling Services, from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. At the bottom of the page is the phone number to call with complaints.
  • Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers, from the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Dealing with Debt Collection Harassment, from the National Consumer Law Center.
  • Debt Collection and Garnishment, from LawHelpMN.org.
  • Dealing With Debt, from LawHelpMN.org. Look also for the Self-Help Forms tab.
  • Bankruptcy Center, from Nolo.
  • Answering a Lawsuit, from the Attorney General's office.
  • Minnesota Free Debt Collection Defense, from LawHelpMN.org. If you are being sued about a debt in Minnesota, or are worried about one, this free program may be able to help. Fill out paperwork, write legal letters, respond to debt lawsuits, and learn about your rights and duties.

    • Related Topics: Judgments; Bankruptcy.

    DISCLAIMER:  As librarians and not lawyers, we can suggest resources but cannot give legal advice (such as which form to file), or legal opinions, (such as how a statute might apply to particular facts.)  To do so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law.  Even though we try to suggest materials that will be of help, further research is usually required to find a complete and correct answer.  For many questions, the best answer may be to consult an attorney.  For links to resources on finding an attorney, see http://www.lawlibrary.state.mn.us/selfhelp.html#atty.

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    Minnesota State Law Library: Legal Topics: Debt Collection
    http://www.lawlibrary.state.mn.us/debt.html

    Last updated on March 8, 2012.
    Links checked on July 21, 2011.

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