Iowa Credit Card Laws

Consumer credit card debt laws and regulations in Iowa observe the rules implemented within the Fair Debt Collection and Practices Act—FDCPA. This is a federal law that describes the basic legal specifications relating to consumer credit card debt collections. Individual states hold the right to further improve the laws and regulations as they deem appropriate.

Contact
Consumer credit card debt collection organizations may not telephone, fax or pay a visit to the credit card account holder prior to 8 a.m or after 9 p.m., Iowa state time. The collector can not get in touch with the credit card account holder at the workplace more than once weekly, and only if they are not able to reach the credit card account holder at home . Credit card debt collectors may get in touch with neighbors and members of the credit card account holder's family , but only to acquire current contact details. Consumers can halt all communication from a collection organization by submitting a written request. Within five days of the the first contact with the credit card account holder, the collection organization must mail written notice verifying the outstanding balance due, the identify of the current creditor or collector, dispute information and facts along with the identify of the original lender, if requested.


Collection Laws and Regulations
In an effort to collect consumer credit card debts, debt collectors working in Iowa state may not harass the credit card account holder by means of excessive contact or through contact beyond the authorized FDCPA methods. Debt collectors are not allowed to falsely represent themselves, the total amount due or threaten unsupported legal measures, such as criminal arrest or incarceration. Profane speech, threats of physical violence or posting dead-beat debtor listings are also banned under the FDCPA and upheld in Iowa.


Consumer Rights
Credit card consumers in Iowa possess the right to take legal action against original lenders, debt collection companies and debt purchasers who breach state or federal government collection laws and regulations. Collectors that do not abide by the laws and regulations are liable for actual damages, supplemental damages up to $1,000, court fees and reasonable lawyer's fees. The Iowa state Attorney General may bring legal action against debt collectors interacting with Iowa residents. Iowa consumers may submit a complaint against debt collectors with the Iowa Attorney General's office and with the Federal Trade Commission.

Statute of Limitation and Judgments

The statute of limitations for initiating a lawsuit to collect on a credit card debt in Iowa is five years. This regulation means that creditors and/or debt collectors have five years from the date of the last payment posted to the credit card account to file a court action. Creditors and third-party collection agencies may continue to contact the consumer in an attempt to collect the credit card debt after the five-year window. Creditors and third-party collectors who file a lawsuit within the legal time-frame may win a judgment. Iowa judgments for credit card account collections are in effect for 10 years, but they may be renewed in the ninth year.