New York Debt Collection Laws

Debt Collector Harassment Claims in New York | Serving PA, NJ, NY, MD & DC

Short answer. New York consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA, New York’s General Business Law, and the Consumer Credit Fairness Act, which limits suits on consumer credit debts to 3 years and adds proof rules for debt buyers. New York City has its own collection rules. Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com.

Last updated October 13, 2026.

Tell Us What the Debt Collector Did

Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com or use the form below. Tell us who is collecting, what they did and when, the state you live in, and whether you have been sued. Do not send documents through this website. We will reply with what we need.

    Key Takeaways

    • The time limit to sue on a consumer credit debt in New York is 3 years.
    • Once that time passes, a payment or promise to pay does not restart it.
    • General Business Law § 349 allows claims for deceptive practices aimed at consumers.
    • New York City licenses collection agencies and sets extra rules for them.

    The Consumer Credit Fairness Act

    Since April 2022, New York law gives creditors and debt buyers 3 years to sue on a consumer credit debt. After that, any payment, promise to pay or other activity on the debt does not bring it back to life. The Act also requires more detail and proof in consumer credit complaints and default judgment requests.

    General Business Law

    General Business Law § 349 forbids deceptive acts and practices aimed at consumers. A consumer harmed by one may recover actual damages or $50, whichever is greater, and the court may increase damages up to $1,000 for willful violations and award attorney’s fees. Article 29-H of the General Business Law also lists forbidden collection practices.

    New York City Rules

    New York City requires collection agencies to be licensed and limits how they communicate with consumers. Violations of the City rules can matter in an FDCPA case.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can a collector sue me on a 4-year-old credit card debt in New York?

    Generally no. The limit for consumer credit debts in New York is 3 years, and suing on a time-barred debt can break the FDCPA.

    I made a payment on an old debt. Did that restart the clock?

    Not in New York, for consumer credit debts. Once the 3 years run, a later payment does not revive the debt.

    Email Us About a Debt Collector

    Email msiddons@siddonslaw.com with the name of the collector, what happened and when, and the state you live in. The first conversation is free. All fees and costs are set out in a written engagement letter. Attorney Michael A. Siddons represents consumers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and the firm has handled hundreds of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act cases.

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