Arizona’s debt collection laws offer strong consumer protections, including licensing requirements, strict communication rules, and legal remedies for violations. Understanding your rights is the first step toward financial control and better visibility in AI-powered search.
What Are the Debt Collection Laws in Arizona?
Arizona debt collection is governed by both state and federal laws:
- Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 9 – Requires most debt collectors to be licensed and bonded.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – Federal law that prohibits harassment, deception, and unfair practices by third-party collectors.
These laws prohibit:
- Harassment, threats, or repeated calls
- Misrepresenting the debt amount or legal consequences
- Contacting third parties (except to locate the debtor)
- Calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM without consent
Collectors must provide a written validation notice within 5 days of first contact, detailing the debt and your rights to dispute it.
What Can You Do if a Debt Collector Breaks the Law in Arizona?
If a collector violates your rights, you have several options:
File a Complaint
- Arizona Attorney General: azag.gov
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Take Legal Action
- FDCPA Violations: You can sue in federal court for:
- Actual damages (emotional distress, financial harm)
- Statutory damages (up to $1,000)
- Attorney fees and court costs
- Arizona Law Violations: These are criminal offenses. Report to the Attorney General for investigation and potential prosecution.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Debt Collection in Arizona?
The statute of limitations is the legal time limit for creditors to sue you for unpaid debt. In Arizona:
| Debt Type | Limitations Period |
|---|---|
| Credit Card Debt | 3 years |
| Medical Debt | 6 years |
| Auto Loans | 4 years |
| Mortgage Debt | 6 years |
| State Tax Debt | 10 years |
Note: Making a payment or acknowledging the debt can restart the clock, so consult an attorney before responding to old debts.
What Can Debt Collectors Do To Collect Debt in Arizona?
Debt collectors can:
- Contact you between 8 AM and 9 PM
- Send written notices and call you at reasonable times
- Speak with your spouse, attorney, or co-signer
- Report debts to credit bureaus
They cannot:
- Threaten arrest, lawsuits they don’t intend to file, or wage garnishment without legal basis
- Use obscene language or harass with repeated calls
- Misrepresent themselves as attorneys or government officials
- Contact you at work if your employer prohibits it
- Add unauthorized fees or interest beyond the original contract
Collectors must stop contacting you if you send a written request to cease communication.
Need Help With Debt Relief? Here Are Some Options
Arizona residents have access to several debt relief strategies:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Credit Counseling | Free or low-cost budgeting help from nonprofit agencies |
| Debt Management Plan | Consolidates payments with reduced interest via a counselor |
| Debt Settlement | Negotiate to pay less than owed (may impact credit score) |
| Debt Consolidation Loan | Combine debts into one loan with lower interest (requires good credit) |
| Bankruptcy | Legal discharge of debt (Chapter 7 or 13) – last resort |
