Search Collection Agencies in Indiana and Laws

Here are some relevant federal and state laws that were in effect as of 2021:

1. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): This federal law protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair debt collection practices. It sets limitations on when and how debt collectors can contact consumers and gives consumers the right to dispute debts and obtain information about the debts.
2. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Another federal law, the FCRA regulates the collection and use of consumer credit information. It provides consumers the right to access their credit reports and to dispute any inaccuracies.
3. Indiana Uniform Consumer Credit Code (IUCCC): This state law covers various aspects of consumer credit, including debt collection. The IUCCC requires debt collectors to be licensed and sets guidelines for debt collection practices in Indiana.
4. Indiana Debt Collection Statute of Limitations: In Indiana, there is a time limit for when creditors can sue consumers for unpaid debts. As of 2021, the statute of limitations for written contracts was six years, and for accounts based on a revolving credit agreement, such as credit cards, it was also six years.
5. Indiana Garnishment Laws: If a creditor obtains a court judgment against a debtor in Indiana, they can garnish the debtor’s wages or bank accounts. Indiana law limits the amount that can be garnished to the lesser of 25% of the debtor’s disposable earnings or the amount by which the debtor’s disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage.
6. Exemptions in Indiana: Indiana has laws that protect certain types of property from being taken by creditors to satisfy a debt judgment. These include a homestead exemption, personal property exemptions, and exemptions for certain types of income and benefits.
7. Prohibited Practices: Indiana law prohibits certain abusive and deceptive practices by debt collectors. For example, debt collectors cannot use violence or threats of violence, cannot communicate with debtors at unreasonable times or places, and cannot misrepresent the amount or legal status of a debt.
8. Required Disclosures: In Indiana, debt collectors are required to provide a notice to consumers that includes information about the debt and the consumer’s rights to dispute the debt.

Please ensure that you are referring to the most current legal information or consulting a legal expert in Indiana for the latest details on debt collection laws in the state.