FDCPA Essentials For Collectors

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  • 1/30 Questions

    How many times can a debt collector contact a third party to request location information regarding the consumer?

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About This Quiz

This quiz, titled 'FDCPA Essentials for Collectors,' assesses knowledge on legal debt collection practices under the FDCPA. It covers permissible contact times, third-party communication, and prohibited practices, focusing on upholding consumer rights and ensuring compliance.

FDCPA Essentials For Collectors - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What information can you request from a third party?

    • The consumer’s home address, home phone number and place of employment.

    • The consumer’s home phone number, work phone number and place of employment.

    • The consumer’s home address, cell phone number and place of employment.

    • The consumer’s home phone number, work phone number and cell phone number.

    Correct Answer
    A. The consumer’s home address, home phone number and place of employment.
  • 3. 

    Which of the following are right parties with whom you can always discuss the debt?

    • The consumer’s parents.

    • The consumer’s employer.

    • The consumer’s accountant.

    • The executor of the estate of a deceased consumer.

    Correct Answer
    A. The executor of the estate of a deceased consumer.
    Explanation
    The executor of the estate of a deceased consumer is the right party with whom you can always discuss the debt because they are responsible for managing the deceased consumer's affairs, including any outstanding debts. They have the authority to provide information and make decisions regarding the debt. On the other hand, discussing the debt with the consumer's parents, employer, or accountant may not always be appropriate or effective as they may not have the necessary knowledge or authority to address the debt-related issues.

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  • 4. 

    The FDCPA allows debt collectors to contact a consumer:

    • Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the collector’s time zone.

    • Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone.

    • Between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone.

    • Between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the collector’s time zone.

    Correct Answer
    A. Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone.
    Explanation
    The FDCPA allows debt collectors to contact a consumer between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the consumer's time zone. This means that debt collectors are only permitted to contact consumers during reasonable hours and cannot contact them too early in the morning or too late at night. This provision is in place to protect consumers from harassment and ensure that they have a reasonable amount of time to rest and relax without being disturbed by debt collectors.

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  • 5. 

    A debt collector may not:

    • Use an alias when attempting to collect a debt.

    • Use a post card to attempt to collect a debt.

    • Disclose the debt to a consumer’s attorney.

    • Contact a consumer during the validation period.

    Correct Answer
    A. Use a post card to attempt to collect a debt.
    Explanation
    Using a postcard to attempt to collect a debt is not allowed by debt collectors. This is because postcards are not secure and can be easily viewed by anyone, potentially violating the privacy of the consumer. Debt collectors are required to use more secure and private methods of communication, such as letters or phone calls, when attempting to collect a debt.

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  • 6. 

    A debt collector may call a consumer as many times in a day as it takes to get a hold of the consumer so long as the debt collector does not leave a message.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    A debt collector is not allowed to call a consumer multiple times in a day if they do not leave a message. This is because the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) places restrictions on the frequency and manner in which debt collectors can contact consumers. They are prohibited from engaging in harassing or abusive behavior, and calling multiple times without leaving a message could be considered harassment.

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  • 7. 

    A debt collector may imply he is an attorney if the account will be forwarded to an attorney for collection. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    A debt collector may not imply that he is an attorney if the account will be forwarded to an attorney for collection. This is prohibited by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which regulates the behavior of debt collectors. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from making false or misleading statements, including falsely representing themselves as attorneys. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 8. 

    A consumer can dispute the debt after the Validation Period has expired. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    After the Validation Period has expired, a consumer can still dispute the debt. This means that even if the creditor has provided proof of the debt's validity within the specified time frame, the consumer still has the right to challenge it. This ensures that consumers are not unfairly burdened with debts that they may not owe or that may have incorrect information.

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  • 9. 

    An individual debt collector can be personally sued under the FDCPA.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), individual debt collectors can be held personally liable for violations of the act. This means that if a debt collector engages in unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices while attempting to collect a debt, they can be sued by the debtor. The FDCPA provides protections for consumers and holds debt collectors accountable for their actions. Therefore, the statement that an individual debt collector can be personally sued under the FDCPA is true.

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  • 10. 

    When communicating with a consumer, a debt collector:

    • Can be rude to a consumer if the consumer is rude first.

    • Can demand immediate payment during the Validation Period.

    • Can imply that the consumer will be sued if it will influence the consumer to pay.

    • Can contact the consumer at work if it is not inconvenient for the consumer.

    Correct Answer
    A. Can contact the consumer at work if it is not inconvenient for the consumer.
    Explanation
    A debt collector can contact the consumer at work if it is not inconvenient for the consumer. This means that if contacting the consumer at their workplace does not cause any inconvenience or harm to the consumer, the debt collector is allowed to reach out to them in that setting. However, if contacting the consumer at work would be inconvenient or prohibited by the consumer's employer, the debt collector should refrain from doing so.

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  • 11. 

    When communicating with a consumer, a debt collector:

    • Must disclose that the communication is from a debt collector.

    • Must only communicate with the consumer once unless the debt collector believes the consumer has updated information.

    • Must communicate with the consumer during business hours.

    • Must not disclose his employer unless specifically requested.

    Correct Answer
    A. Must disclose that the communication is from a debt collector.
    Explanation
    When communicating with a consumer, a debt collector must disclose that the communication is from a debt collector. This is a requirement under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which aims to protect consumers from abusive and deceptive practices by debt collectors. By disclosing their identity as a debt collector, consumers are made aware of the purpose of the communication and can exercise their rights accordingly. This transparency helps prevent confusion or misleading tactics that may be employed by unscrupulous debt collectors.

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  • 12. 

    The FDCPA is:

    • A random set of letters.

    • A federal law governing the ethical collection of past due debts.

    • The federal government agency enforcing debt collection laws.

    • A trade association for credit and collection professionals.

    Correct Answer
    A. A federal law governing the ethical collection of past due debts.
    Explanation
    The FDCPA stands for the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which is a federal law that regulates how debt collectors can legally collect past due debts. It sets guidelines and restrictions on debt collectors to ensure that they engage in fair and ethical practices when attempting to collect debts from consumers. The law aims to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices.

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  • 13. 

    A written refusal to pay a debt:

    • Requires no response by a debt collector.

    • Requires a debt collector to communicate with a consumer in writing.

    • Requires a debt collector to communicate with a consumer by telephone.

    • Requires a debt collector to cease communicating with a consumer regarding the debt.

    Correct Answer
    A. Requires a debt collector to cease communicating with a consumer regarding the debt.
    Explanation
    When a consumer sends a written refusal to pay a debt, it means that they do not wish to continue any communication regarding the debt. In this case, the correct answer states that it requires a debt collector to cease communicating with the consumer regarding the debt. This means that the debt collector cannot contact the consumer further in relation to the debt, respecting their decision to refuse payment.

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  • 14. 

    A debt collector can overshadow the Validation Period by:

    • Requesting payment in the first collection call.

    • Offering a settlement that expires after the validation period expires.

    • Demanding immediate payment during the validation period.

    • Not offering a settlement.

    Correct Answer
    A. Demanding immediate payment during the validation period.
    Explanation
    Demanding immediate payment during the validation period can overshadow the Validation Period because it puts pressure on the debtor to pay without allowing them the opportunity to verify the debt or request validation. The validation period is a specific timeframe in which the debtor has the right to request validation of the debt and dispute any inaccuracies. By demanding immediate payment during this period, the debt collector is effectively limiting the debtor's rights and not giving them a fair chance to validate the debt.

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  • 15. 

    A debt collector must:

    • Provide written notice of the intent to deposit a check post dated by more than 5 days

    • Contact a consumer between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the collector’s time zone.

    • Contact a third party repeatedly to obtain location information.

    • Increase the amount of the debt if the consumer does not pay.

    Correct Answer
    A. Provide written notice of the intent to deposit a check post dated by more than 5 days
    Explanation
    A debt collector must provide written notice of the intent to deposit a check post dated by more than 5 days in order to inform the consumer about the collector's intention to deposit the check after the specified date. This ensures transparency and allows the consumer to be aware of the collector's actions regarding the post-dated check.

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  • 16. 

    A debt collector can provide information regarding a debt to a third party if the consumer gives permission to disclose the information.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A debt collector is legally allowed to share information about a consumer's debt with a third party if the consumer has given their consent or permission to disclose the information. This means that if a consumer agrees to allow the debt collector to share their debt information with a third party, such as a family member or a financial advisor, the debt collector can provide the requested information. However, without the consumer's permission, the debt collector is not allowed to disclose any details about the debt to anyone else. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 17. 

    When a consumer disputes a debt, the debt collector must:

    • Continue regular collection efforts.

    • Not apply payments to the disputed portion of the debt

    • Explain the consumer’s wages will be garnished.

    • File suit to collect the debt.

    Correct Answer
    A. Not apply payments to the disputed portion of the debt
    Explanation
    When a consumer disputes a debt, the debt collector must not apply payments to the disputed portion of the debt. This is because the consumer has raised a concern or disagreement regarding that specific portion of the debt, and it is necessary for the debt collector to investigate and resolve the dispute before applying any payments. By not applying payments to the disputed portion, the debt collector ensures that the consumer's concerns are properly addressed and that the correct amount is ultimately collected.

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  • 18. 

    A debt collector who violates the FDCPA can be liable for:

    • A minimum of $1,000 in statutory damages.

    • Actual damages of $1,000 per violation.

    • Statutory damages of up to $1,000 and attorney’s fees.

    • Debt collectors cannot be sued under the FDCPA.

    Correct Answer
    A. Statutory damages of up to $1,000 and attorney’s fees.
    Explanation
    If a debt collector violates the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), they can be held liable for statutory damages of up to $1,000 and attorney's fees. This means that the individual who was affected by the violation can receive compensation of up to $1,000 as well as have their attorney's fees covered. This is a significant consequence for debt collectors who do not adhere to the regulations set forth by the FDCPA.

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  • 19. 

    The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is designed to:

    • Make debt collection more difficult.

    • Allow consumers to discharge their past due debts.

    • Handcuff debt collectors with onerous provisions.

    • Eliminate abusive collection efforts.

    Correct Answer
    A. Eliminate abusive collection efforts.
    Explanation
    The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a legislation that aims to protect consumers from abusive and unfair practices by debt collectors. It sets guidelines and restrictions on how debt collectors can communicate and interact with consumers, prohibiting actions such as harassment, false or misleading statements, and unfair practices. By eliminating abusive collection efforts, the Act ensures that consumers are treated fairly and are not subjected to harassment or deceptive tactics in the process of debt collection.

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  • 20. 

    A consumer’s verbal request for a debt collector to cease communication:

    • Provides notice that the time or place of the communication might be inconvenient for the consumer.

    • Has no impact on debt collection efforts.

    • Has the same impact as a written cease communication request.

    • Has the same impact as a written refusal to pay.

    Correct Answer
    A. Provides notice that the time or place of the communication might be inconvenient for the consumer.
    Explanation
    When a consumer verbally requests a debt collector to cease communication, it serves as a notice that the time or place of the communication might be inconvenient for the consumer. This means that the consumer is indicating that they do not want to be contacted at that particular time or location. It does not necessarily have any impact on the debt collection efforts, nor does it have the same impact as a written cease communication request or a written refusal to pay.

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  • 21. 

    When a consumer is represented by an attorney,

    • A debt collector may communicate with the consumer or the attorney and attempt to obtain location information from third parties.

    • A debt collector may communicate with the attorney and attempt to obtain location information from third parties.

    • A debt collector may communicate with the attorney only.

    • A debt collector must cease all communications regarding the debt.

    Correct Answer
    A. A debt collector may communicate with the attorney only.
    Explanation
    When a consumer is represented by an attorney, a debt collector is allowed to communicate with the attorney only. This means that the debt collector cannot directly communicate with the consumer or attempt to obtain location information from third parties. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that the consumer's rights are protected and that all communication regarding the debt goes through their attorney. By limiting communication to the attorney, it helps maintain a professional and legal process for resolving the debt.

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  • 22. 

    A debt collector does not violate the FDCPA by belittling or embarrassing the consumer.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices. This includes not using harassing or oppressive language, and not engaging in any conduct that would harass, oppress, or abuse the consumer. Belittling or embarrassing the consumer would be considered a violation of the FDCPA, so the given statement is false.

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  • 23. 

    A debt collector may tell a consumer he has committed a crime by failing to pay the debt.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    A debt collector cannot tell a consumer that they have committed a crime by failing to pay the debt. It is illegal for debt collectors to make false or misleading statements to consumers, and falsely claiming that the consumer has committed a crime is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Debt collectors are only allowed to provide accurate information about the debt and the consequences of not paying it, but they cannot make false threats or misrepresent the legal implications of non-payment.

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  • 24. 

    When communicating with a consumer, a debt collector must identify herself and disclose the purpose of the communication.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A debt collector is required by law to identify herself and disclose the purpose of the communication when interacting with a consumer. This is to ensure transparency and provide the consumer with the necessary information about the nature of the communication. By identifying themselves and disclosing the purpose, the debt collector establishes trust and allows the consumer to make informed decisions regarding their debts.

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  • 25. 

    A debt collector can overshadow the validation period in collection letters, but not in collection calls.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    This statement is false because a debt collector can overshadow the validation period in both collection letters and collection calls. The validation period refers to the timeframe in which a consumer can dispute a debt and request verification from the debt collector. Debt collectors are required by law to provide this information to consumers, but they may try to overshadow or downplay it in order to pressure the consumer into paying. This can happen in both written communication (collection letters) and verbal communication (collection calls). Therefore, the statement is incorrect.

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  • 26. 

    A debt collector can avoid FDCPA liability by having procedures in place to avoid FDCPA violations and errors.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Having procedures in place to avoid FDCPA violations and errors can indeed help a debt collector avoid FDCPA liability. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets guidelines and regulations for debt collectors to follow when attempting to collect debts. By implementing proper procedures and protocols, debt collectors can ensure that they are adhering to the FDCPA guidelines and avoiding any violations or errors that could lead to liability. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to compliance and can help protect the debt collector from legal consequences.

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  • 27. 

    To cease collection attempts at the place of employment, a consumer:

    • Must notify a debt collector verbally or in writing that he cannot take calls at work.

    • Must send a written notice enclosing the employer’s policy regarding personal calls at work.

    • Must have his employer contact the debt collector to provide notice.

    • Cannot stop collection attempts at the place of employment.

    Correct Answer
    A. Must notify a debt collector verbally or in writing that he cannot take calls at work.
    Explanation
    To cease collection attempts at the place of employment, a consumer must notify a debt collector verbally or in writing that he cannot take calls at work. This means that the consumer needs to inform the debt collector that they are unable to receive calls at their place of work. By doing so, the debt collector should stop attempting to contact the consumer at their workplace.

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  • 28. 

    A consumer’s written dispute during the Validation Period:

    • Has no impact on collection efforts.

    • Requires the debt collector to cease communication and provide verification of the debt.

    • Requires the debt collector to provide verification of the debt, but collection efforts may continue.

    • Requires the creditor to contact the consumer to provide verification of the debt.

    Correct Answer
    A. Requires the debt collector to cease communication and provide verification of the debt.
    Explanation
    During the Validation Period, if a consumer submits a written dispute, it requires the debt collector to stop communicating with the consumer. Additionally, the debt collector is obligated to provide verification of the debt to the consumer. This means that collection efforts must be put on hold until the debt collector has provided the necessary documentation to validate the debt. Therefore, the correct answer is that the written dispute requires the debt collector to cease communication and provide verification of the debt.

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  • 29. 

    Which of the following statements, within the first 5 days of the validation period, would not constitute overshadowing?

    • If you do not pay this debt immediately we will bring suit against you.

    • You can avoid having a lawsuit brought against you if settle your account with a 50% payment within 5 days.

    • This debt is seriously delinquent. The balance in full is due.

    • You have to request validation or pay within 20 days.

    Correct Answer
    A. This debt is seriously delinquent. The balance in full is due.
    Explanation
    The statement "This debt is seriously delinquent. The balance in full is due" does not constitute overshadowing because it clearly communicates the urgency and consequences of the debt without offering any alternative options or settlement terms. It does not distract or divert attention from the consumer's rights or options within the first 5 days of the validation period.

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  • 30. 

    The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

    • Applies to first party credit grantors.

    • Applies to written communications, but not verbal communications.

    • Was enacted to eliminate abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices.

    • Was enacted to encourage consumers to file bankruptcy.

    Correct Answer
    A. Was enacted to eliminate abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices.
    Explanation
    The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to eliminate abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. This legislation was put in place to protect consumers from harassment or mistreatment by debt collectors. It sets guidelines and restrictions on how debt collectors can communicate with consumers, what information they can disclose, and what actions they can take to collect debts. The goal of the act is to ensure that debt collection practices are fair and respectful towards consumers.

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  • Current Version
  • Jun 12, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 08, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Kkgghh345

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