The FTC wants the debt collection industry to know that it does not intend to take a backseat to the CFPB when it comes to FDCPA enforcement. In announcing the release of its annual summary of debt collection activities, the FTC stated that it has continued “aggressive enforcement” of the FDCPA by bringing or resolving nine debt collection cases. It also observed that while the FTC “has many tools in its arsenal, including research, enforcement, and consumer education” when dealing with debt collection, it has “increased [its] emphasis on law enforcement” in recent years.
The FTC also highlighted that in 2013, it filed three amicus briefs in debt collection cases on appeal to the Second and Seventh Circuits. Two of the amicus briefs were filed jointly with the CFPB.