Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws

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

Short answer. Pennsylvania consumers are protected by the federal FDCPA and by Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, which covers original creditors as well as collection agencies. A violation of the Pennsylvania act is treated as a violation of the state’s consumer protection law. 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 Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act, 73 P.S. § 2270.1 and following, applies to both debt collectors and creditors.
    • Violations are enforced through Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
    • The time limit to sue on most contract debts, including credit cards, is generally 4 years.
    • Pennsylvania sharply limits wage garnishment for most consumer debts.

    What Does the Pennsylvania Law Add?

    The FDCPA mostly reaches third-party collectors. Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act applies the same kinds of rules to creditors collecting their own debts. That means the bank, hospital, landlord or lender itself can be held responsible for harassing or deceptive collection.

    Under the Act, a violation is also a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. That law allows recovery of actual damages or $100, whichever is greater, and the court may award up to three times actual damages and attorney’s fees. A claim under it generally requires that you lost money or property because of the conduct.

    Collection Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

    Many Pennsylvania collection suits start in a magisterial district court or Philadelphia Municipal Court. Deadlines and hearing procedures differ from the Court of Common Pleas. Read the notice carefully and act before the hearing or response date.

    Wage Garnishment

    Pennsylvania does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts, such as credit card debt. It allows it for certain debts, including some rent, support, student loan and tax debts. A collector that threatens a garnishment it cannot get may be breaking the law.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I sue the original creditor in Pennsylvania?

    Often yes. Pennsylvania’s Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act covers creditors as well as collection agencies.

    How long can a creditor sue me in Pennsylvania?

    Generally 4 years for contract debts, including most credit card debt. When the clock starts can vary.

    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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