CMAA Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Prep

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) places specific restrictions on how debt collectors can communicate with consumers. One key aspect of this legislation is that it prohibits the use of postcards in the communication process. This restriction is intended to protect consumers’ privacy and prevent potentially embarrassing situations that could arise if a postcard were to be sent in a manner that publicly identifies them as being in debt.

Postcards do not provide the confidentiality that is necessary during debt collection, as they are often viewable by anyone in proximity to the mail. This can lead to unintended exposure of a consumer's financial situation. By disallowing postcards, the FDCPA aims to ensure that consumers are treated with respect and that their financial issues are handled discreetly.

While other forms of communication like phone calls and letters are permissible under certain conditions, the use of postcards is explicitly prohibited to safeguard consumer privacy. This aspect of the FDCPA reflects the intent to establish a more respectful and fair approach to debt collection practices.