Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Law
The Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CFDCPA) is a state law that governs the actions of debt collectors and collection agencies. It provides consumers with certain rights and restricts the practices collection agencies may use to attempt to collect debts. For example, the law prohibits collection agencies from using harassment, misleading, and unfair practices. The law prohibits unnecessary disclosure of the debt to parties not obligated to pay the debt. The law does not apply to creditors collecting their own debts.
Licensed Collection Agencies
- To search for a collection agency or download a license report, visit the Consumer Credit Unit License Holders Report website (opens new tab).
- Collection agencies that became inactive prior to October 31, 2020 can be found on this Nonactive Collection Agency and Disciplinary History Report (PDF).
Beware of Phantom Debt Scams
There has been an increase in debt collection scams, particularly those impersonating law enforcement or government agencies. In certain cases, the scammer may use a fake name and may have your personal identifiable information, such as the last four digits or even your full social security number. Please note that law enforcement entities and government agencies will not threaten arrest or prosecution for unpaid consumer debts and would never send an arrest warrant via email.
The CFDCPA prohibits debt collectors from making false or misleading statements as well as harassment. There is a list of Licensed Collection Agencies and Disciplinary History on the right-hand side of this webpage. Please ensure the collection agency you are dealing with is listed and if not, report the collection agency immediately by using the Consumer Complaint Form below.
For more information such as signs a phone call or email could be a scam and tips on avoiding these scams, please visit the Stop Fraud website.
Clients of Collection Agencies
Collection agencies licensed in Colorado, excluding debt buyers, must file a surety bond or assign a cash deposit with this office. The amount of the bond varies depending on the average annual amount collected by the agency. The bond protects clients who placed debts with the collection agency but did not receive remittances of money collected.
If you are a creditor client of a collection agency and have not received remittances owed to you, please complete the below form.
File a Complaint
To file a complaint, visit the Credit and Debt Complaint webpage to get started.