Rhode Island has enacted a state debt collection law, known as the Rhode Island Debt Collections Act, which closely tracks and parallels the federal FDCPA. Like the federal law, the Rhode Island law prohibits harassing communications, disclosure of the alleged debt to third parties, threats of violence or harm, obscene or profane language, and misleading or deceptive tactics.
In addition to the damages and other relief available under the FDCPA, a Rhode Island resident subjected to improper debt collection practices can also obtain relief under the Rhode Island law. Rhode Island victims can bring a lawsuit under state law and obtain their actual damages, $1,000 in statutory damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
If you believe that a collector has behaved inappropriately while attempting to collect a debt from you in Rhode Island, our attorneys can help you to determine whether the FDCPA or Rhode Island law provides you with a legal remedy
To learn more about the FDPCA, go to Federal Debt Collection Practices Act.
Rhode Island Debt Collections Act § 19-14.9.
