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Collection Agencies in Oregon

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List of collection agencies in Oregon.
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Debt Collection Laws in Oregon

  1. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Like all states, Oregon is subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors and prohibits them from engaging in abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when collecting a debt.
  2. Oregon Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act: Oregon has its own laws governing debt collection practices, called the Oregon Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act. This law is similar to the federal FDCPA but applies to both third-party debt collectors and original creditors. It prohibits practices such as harassment, misrepresentation, and unfair practices in the collection of a debt.
  3. Statute of Limitations: As of 2021, the statute of limitations for written contracts in Oregon is 6 years, and for oral contracts, it is also 6 years. Once this period has passed, debt collectors cannot sue to collect the debt. Note that acknowledging the debt or making a payment can restart the statute of limitations.
  4. Wage Garnishment: In Oregon, if a creditor has obtained a judgment against a debtor, they may be able to garnish wages. However, there are limits on how much can be garnished. Federal law limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, and Oregon law generally conforms to these limits.
  5. Bank Account Levies and Property Liens: After obtaining a judgment, a creditor may seek to levy a debtor’s bank account or put a lien on property. However, Oregon law provides certain exemptions that may protect a portion of the debtor’s assets.
  6. Communication with Debt Collectors: Under Oregon law, debt collectors are subject to restrictions on their communication practices. For example, they cannot contact debtors at inconvenient times, harass them, or communicate with third parties about the debtor’s debt without permission.
  7. Exemptions: Oregon law provides various exemptions to protect a debtor’s property from being seized to pay a judgment. This includes exemptions for homesteads, personal property, wages, and certain types of income.
  8. Licensing and Bonding: Debt collectors operating in Oregon must be licensed and bonded. The bond is intended to provide a form of financial protection for consumers in case of a violation of debt collection laws by the debt collector.

Again, it is important to note that laws change, and the information I have provided may no longer be accurate. Consult a lawyer or legal aid organization to get the most current information and advice on dealing with debt collectors in Oregon.

Collection agencies must register with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services before they attempt debt collection. All debt verification requests must be submitted within 30 days. Collection agencies serving medical clinics, small businesses, government and utility firms should ideally be licensed in other neighboring states too just in case the debtor has moved out of Oregon. Credit reporting is optional and is usually offered as a free service by debt collectors.

Update: Oregon’s Senate Bill 1595,

As of now ( August 2024), focuses on enhancing protections against debt collection. Key changes it introduces include:

  • Increased Exemptions:

    • The homestead exemption, safeguarding a homeowner’s primary residence from creditors, is raised from $40,000 to $150,000.
    • The personal property exemption, shielding miscellaneous possessions from seizure, increases from $3,000 to $12,000.
    • The exemption for motor vehicles rises from $4,000 to $7,500.
    • The wildcard exemption, allowing flexibility in choosing what to protect, is boosted from $400 to $3,000.

  • Modified Debt Collection Practices:

    • Debt collectors are prohibited from communicating with debtors at their workplaces unless given express permission.
    • They must cease contact if a debtor explicitly requests it in writing.
    • The bill places restrictions on how often collectors can contact debtors, especially via phone calls.

Please note that these are the primary highlights of the bill as currently understood. The legislative process is dynamic, and there is a possibility of further amendments or changes before final enactment.