Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal statute that protects consumers from unfair or unconscionable collection practices by debt collectors. The text of this statute is provided as general information to the public. It may be amended, revised, or rescinded at any time without notice. This information is not intended to be legal advice. For more information, please see our disclaimer.

15 U.S.C. § 1692i. Legal actions by debt collectors

(a) Venue. Any debt collector who brings any legal action on a debt against any consumer shall--
(1) in the case of an action to enforce an interest in real property securing the consumer's obligation, bring such action only in a judicial district or similar legal entity in which such real property is located; or
(2) in the case of an action not described in paragraph (1), bring such action only in the judicial district or similar legal entity--
(A) in which such consumer signed the contract sued upon; or
(B) in which such consumer resides at the commencement of the action.

(b) Authorization of actions. Nothing in this title [15 USCS §§ 1692 et seq.] shall be construed to authorize the bringing of legal actions by debt collectors.