Ohio Debt Collection Laws: Know Your Rights and Fight Back

You have powerful protections under federal and state law. Both the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA) shield you from abusive collectors.

The FDCPA only covers third-party debt collectors. The OCSPA goes further. It applies to some original creditors too.

In Ohio, collectors have six years to sue you for credit card debt. They have four years for medical debt.

Federal Protection: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The FDCPA regulates how third-party debt collectors can contact you. You have clear rights under this law.

What Debt Collectors Must Do

• Send you a written validation notice within five days of first contact
• Provide details about the debt amount and creditor name
• Explain your right to dispute the debt within 30 days
• Stop collection efforts if you dispute the debt in writing

What Debt Collectors Cannot Do

• Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Contact you at work if you tell them not to
• Harass, threaten, or use profane language with you
• Lie about the debt amount or legal consequences
• Threaten to garnish wages without a court judgment
• Contact your friends, family, or employer about your debt

Collectors who break these rules face serious consequences. You can take action against them.

Ohio State Protection: Consumer Sales Practices Act

The OCSPA works alongside federal law to protect you. One big difference: it covers some original creditors.

Banks are usually excluded from this law. But many other creditors must follow OCSPA rules.

The law aims to prevent the same abusive tactics the FDCPA prohibits. You get double protection in many situations.

What You Can Do When Collectors Break the Law

You have two main options when collectors violate your rights. You can file complaints or take legal action.

File Complaints With Enforcement Agencies

The Ohio Attorney General enforces state consumer protection laws. File your complaint online with their office.

The office can investigate your complaint and help negotiate a solution. Reporting violations protects other consumers too.

You should also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across the country.

When multiple consumers report the same company, the CFPB takes action. They regularly take enforcement action against repeat offenders.

Sue the Debt Collector in Court

You can sue collectors who violate Ohio law in civil court. You may win actual damages plus additional compensation.

At minimum, you could recover actual damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages. You have one year from the violation to file.

If collectors also violated federal FDCPA rules, you can sue in federal court. You may recover actual damages plus up to $1,000 in statutory damages.

When collectors break the law, our partner Solo can help you respond and protect your rights.

Ohio Statute of Limitations on Debt

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for debt collection lawsuits. After this period expires, collectors lose their right to sue you.

State laws limit how long collectors can bring lawsuits. Once the deadline passes, the debt becomes time-barred.

Ohio Statute of Limitations Periods

• Six years for credit card debt and written contracts
• Four years for medical debt and oral contracts
• Four years for contracts of sale like auto loans

Figuring out when the clock started can be tricky. The period usually begins from your last payment date.

Be careful about acknowledging old debts. Admitting you owe money can restart the clock. Even a small payment can reset the timeline.

If you get sued for time-barred debt, you must raise this defense. The statute of limitations is your strongest defense in these cases.

Read our guide on answering a debt collection lawsuit in Ohio for detailed steps.

What Collectors Can Do to Pursue Your Debt

Collectors have limits, but they still have powerful tools. Understanding what they can do helps you prepare.

Collection efforts usually start with phone calls and letters. If you have an auto loan, they may repossess your vehicle.

When these tactics fail, collectors often file lawsuits. Court judgments unlock serious collection powers.

Collection Methods After Winning a Judgment

• Wage garnishment that takes money from your paycheck
• Bank account levies that freeze your funds
• Property liens that attach to assets you own

Ohio law limits how much collectors can garnish from your wages. But any amount withheld causes financial stress.

How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit

You must respond to the court summons. Ignoring the lawsuit guarantees you lose.

You don’t need a lawyer to file an answer. The answer is just paperwork stating your defenses.

Franklin County residents can use a free online tool to generate the form in 15 minutes. Other Ohio residents can use this sample form.

Need help responding to your debt lawsuit? Our partner Solo has helped 280,000 people answer summons and settle debts. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Debt Relief Options Available in Ohio

You don’t have to face debt problems alone. Several solutions can help you regain control.

Start with free credit counseling from a nonprofit agency. Credit counselors help you create a debt repayment plan.

Counselors can explain your options including debt management plans and debt consolidation. They’ll help you understand the pros and cons.

Bankruptcy might be your best option if debt feels overwhelming. Chapter 7 can eliminate most unsecured debts in months.

You can schedule a free session with a credit counselor to explore your options.