Vermont has enacted a state debt collection law which closely tracks and parallels the federal FDCPA. Like the federal law, the Vermont 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 Vermont resident subjected to improper debt collection practices can also obtain relief under the Vermont law. Vermont victims can bring a lawsuit under state law and obtain their actual damages, punitive damages of three times the victim’s actual damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
If you believe that a collector has behaved inappropriately while attempting to collect a debt from you in Vermont, our attorneys can help you to determine whether the FDCPA or Vermont law provides you with a legal remedy.
To learn more about the FDPCA, go to Federal Debt Collection Practices Act.
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Sections 2451a to 2461 and supporting regulations.
