Maine 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
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, §11001 et seq. — Maine Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Covers original creditors — not just third-party collectors.
Damages available: Actual damages, attorney fees, and costs
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Maine must be licensed under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, §11013. 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
- (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §752)
Where to File Complaints
- Maine Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $6,000
Additional Protections
- Maine FDCPA covers original creditors AND third-party collectors
- Debt collectors must be licensed
- Broader definition of prohibited conduct than federal FDCPA
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Maine Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Maine?
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 Maine.
Does Maine have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Maine provides additional consumer protections under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, §11001 et seq. (Maine Fair Debt Collection Practices Act). Notably, Maine law extends protections to cover original creditors, not just third-party debt collectors. Violations may result in: Actual damages, attorney fees, and costs.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Maine?
Yes. Under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, §11013, debt collectors operating in Maine 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 Maine?
In Maine, 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 (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, §752). 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 Maine?
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 Maine state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Maine?
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 Maine law, you may also seek: Actual damages, attorney fees, and costs. You can file in Maine small claims court for claims up to $6,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.