Rhode Island 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
R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14.9-1 et seq. — Rhode Island Debt Collection Act
Damages available: Actual damages and attorney fees
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Rhode Island must be licensed under R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14.9-3. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 10 years
- Written contracts: 10 years
- Oral contracts: 10 years
- Promissory notes: 10 years
- (R.I. Gen. Laws §9-1-13)
Where to File Complaints
- Rhode Island Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $5,000
Additional Protections
- Debt collectors must be licensed by the RI Department of Business Regulation
- Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws §6-13.1-1 et seq.) provides additional coverage
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Rhode Island Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island.
Does Rhode Island have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Rhode Island provides additional consumer protections under R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14.9-1 et seq. (Rhode Island Debt Collection Act). Violations may result in: Actual damages and attorney fees.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Rhode Island?
Yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §19-14.9-3, debt collectors operating in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 10 years, written contracts are 10 years, and oral contracts are 10 years (R.I. Gen. Laws §9-1-13). 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 Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island law, you may also seek: Actual damages and attorney fees. You can file in Rhode Island small claims court for claims up to $5,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.