Washington · FDCPA Cease & Desist
How to Stop Debt Collector Calls in Washington
Washington State residents have federal FDCPA protections plus Washington's Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250), which requires all third-party collectors to hold a license from the Department of Financial Institutions. A violation of the Collection Agency Act is automatically a Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA) violation, allowing recovery of actual damages, up to $25,000 in treble damages, and attorney's fees. Unlicensed collection is a separate actionable offense.
Washington collectors must be DFI-licensed, unlicensed collection plus harassment triggers CPA treble damages up to $25,000.
Federal law
15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) (FDCPA)
Washington state law
Washington Collection Agency Act
RCW 19.16.250
Washington-Specific Protections
Washington's Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250) prohibits a detailed list of abusive collection practices and requires third-party collectors to be licensed with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Unlicensed collection is independently actionable, and violations of the Act constitute per se violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA), entitling you to actual damages, treble damages (up to $25,000), and attorney's fees.
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Auto-cites 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) (FDCPA) and RCW 19.16.250. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF download.
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Washington Debt Collector Cease & Desist FAQs
What's the difference between the FDCPA and Washington's debt collection law?▾
The FDCPA covers third-party collectors federally. Washington's Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16.250) requires licensing and prohibits specific abusive practices. Violations trigger CPA liability with treble damages up to $25,000 per violation.
What happens after a debt collector receives my cease-and-desist in Washington?▾
Contact must stop after your written cease-and-desist under the FDCPA. Continued contact violates both the Collection Agency Act and the CPA, creating significant damages exposure. You can also file a complaint with the WA DFI.
Do I need a lawyer to send a cease-and-desist letter?▾
No for the letter. If violations continue, the CPA treble-damages cap of $25,000 per violation makes Washington one of the most favorable states for consumer protection attorneys.
Does a cease-and-desist letter actually stop debt collectors in Washington?▾
Yes. The combination of FDCPA liability, DFI licensing risk, and CPA exposure gives Washington collectors compelling legal and financial reasons to honor your cease-and-desist immediately.
Cease & desist rights by state
Laws change. Verify current rules with a consumer protection attorney or your state AG. kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.