Debt collection transactions in the United States are sometimes discussed and classified as "commercial" transactions or as "consumer" transactions. In a very summary sense, commercial transactions are generally transactions between merchants or businesses. Commercial transactions are linked from the previous page.

Consumer

When the money allegedly owed arises from a transaction in which the goods or services are primarily for personal, family or household purposes, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act may be applicable. Other Federal laws and State laws may also apply.

To learn more about "Fair Debt Collection Practices", select that section from the previous menu. To learn more about individual states and Puerto Rico, see "States" . Note that in many states, certain consumer protection laws may apply to original creditors, as well as to third party collection agencies. Always discuss actual cases with your actual attorney or legal department.