Colorado Debt Collection Law at a Glance
Federal Protection
15 USC §1692g — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. 30-day validation window from first written contact. Collector must cease collection upon written dispute.
State Supplement
Colo. Rev. Stat. §5-16-101 et seq. — Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Covers original creditors — not just third-party collectors.
Damages available: Actual damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Colorado must be licensed under Colo. Rev. Stat. §5-16-103. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 6 years
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Promissory notes: 6 years
- (Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-80-103.5)
Where to File Complaints
- Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection Section
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $7,500
Additional Protections
- Colorado FDCPA applies to original creditors AND third-party collectors
- Collection agencies must be licensed
- Prohibits harassment, false representations, and unfair practices
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Colorado Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Colorado?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC §1692g), you have 30 calendar days from the date a debt collector first contacts you in writing to request validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection activity if you dispute the debt in writing. This federal right applies in all 50 states including Colorado.
Does Colorado have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Colorado provides additional consumer protections under Colo. Rev. Stat. §5-16-101 et seq. (Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act). Notably, Colorado law extends protections to cover original creditors, not just third-party debt collectors. Violations may result in: Actual damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Colorado?
Yes. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. §5-16-103, debt collectors operating in Colorado must be licensed. If a collector contacting you is not properly licensed, this may constitute an additional violation that strengthens your dispute.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 6 years, written contracts are 6 years, and oral contracts are 6 years (Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-80-103.5). If your debt is past the statute of limitations, a collector cannot legally sue you to collect it, and threatening legal action on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA.
What should I include in a debt validation letter sent from Colorado?
Your debt validation letter should: (1) reference the FDCPA (15 USC §1692g), (2) demand verification of the debt amount, (3) request proof of the collector's authority to collect, (4) ask for the original creditor's name and address, (5) request a copy of the original agreement, and (6) cite any applicable Colorado state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Colorado?
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 USC §1692k), you can sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees. Under Colorado law, you may also seek: Actual damages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees. You can file in Colorado small claims court for claims up to $7,500.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.