Georgia 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
Ga. Code §7-3-1 et seq. — Georgia Industrial Loan Act / Fair Business Practices Act
Damages available: Actual damages and attorney fees under Fair Business Practices Act
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Georgia must be licensed under Ga. Code §7-3-4. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 6 years
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 4 years
- Promissory notes: 6 years
- (Ga. Code §9-3-24)
Where to File Complaints
- Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $15,000
Additional Protections
- Debt collectors must be licensed under the Industrial Loan Act
- Fair Business Practices Act (Ga. Code §10-1-390 et seq.) prohibits deceptive collection practices
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Georgia Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Georgia?
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 Georgia.
Does Georgia have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Georgia provides additional consumer protections under Ga. Code §7-3-1 et seq. (Georgia Industrial Loan Act / Fair Business Practices Act). Violations may result in: Actual damages and attorney fees under Fair Business Practices Act.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Georgia?
Yes. Under Ga. Code §7-3-4, debt collectors operating in Georgia 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 Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 6 years, written contracts are 6 years, and oral contracts are 4 years (Ga. Code §9-3-24). 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 Georgia?
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 Georgia state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Georgia?
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 Georgia law, you may also seek: Actual damages and attorney fees under Fair Business Practices Act. You can file in Georgia small claims court for claims up to $15,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.