FTC Launches "Operation Collection Protection" To Target Debt Collection Practices

On Wednesday, November 4, the Federal Trade Commission announced the largest-ever-coordinated federal-state enforcement initiative targeting allegedly deceptive and abusive debt collection practices. The initiative, consisting of 30 enforcement actions by federal, state, and local authorities, targets debt collectors who utilize harassing phone calls and false threats of litigation, arrest, and wage garnishment. The FTC is also cracking down on attempts to collect so-called "phantom debts" (fake debts that are not actually owed) and on debt collectors who fail to provide consumers legally required disclosures and notices or who fail to comply with state and local licensing requirements.