Debt collector laws in Arkansas

What Arkansas law says about collectors

State law

Arkansas Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Law

Ark. Code Ann. §§ 17-24-501 to 17-24-512

Covers original creditors

No

Official text

Read the law

Also in Arkansas

• The state board's FAQ says a collection agency is supposed to stop contacting you if you plainly say you refuse to pay or don't want more contact, though it may still sue you. To be safe, put it in writing: the board's complaint page says to send a letter by certified mail, and federal law requires collectors to stop once they get your written request (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)).
• Arkansas licenses debt buyers too: the law's definition of a collection agency includes anyone who buys and tries to collect delinquent accounts (Ark. Code Ann. § 17-24-101(4)).

What Arkansas adds to the FDCPA

• A debt collector who sues you on a consumer debt must file in the county where you signed the contract or where you live when the suit starts (Ark. Code Ann. § 17-24-510(a)).
• Collection agencies, including companies that buy and collect old debts, must hold an Arkansas license (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 17-24-101(4), 17-24-301).

Suing a collector in Arkansas

Yes. You can sue a debt collector that breaks the Act for your actual damages, extra damages of up to $1,000, and court costs and attorney's fees. You must sue within 1 year of the violation (Ark. Code Ann. § 17-24-512).

Under federal law you can also sue a collector that breaks the FDCPA within 1 year, for your actual damages, up to $1,000 more and your attorney's fees (15 U.S.C. 1692k).

Where to complain in Arkansas

• Arkansas: Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies (complaint form); also the Arkansas Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division · 501-534-6412
• Federal: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about debt collectors at consumerfinance.gov/complaint · (855) 411-2372.
• You can also report a collector to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Collector licensing in Arkansas

License required

Yes

Who licenses

Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies (Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing)

Check a license

Official license lookup

Arkansas is one of 28 states in our 48 state guides that require a license.

In nearby states

• Missouri: No statewide license
• Louisiana: Yes
• Texas: No statewide license

When a collector crosses the line in Arkansas

1. Save the evidence

   Log each call (date, time, who) and keep every letter, voicemail and text.

2. Check the collector

   Arkansas requires a license, so check the collector's: Official license lookup.

3. Write to the collector

   Send a letter to dispute a debt or to stop collector calls. Keep a copy and proof of mailing.

4. Complain

   Complain to Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies (complaint form); also the Arkansas Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division. You can also complain to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

5. Know your right to sue in Arkansas

   Under Arkansas law: Yes. You can sue a debt collector that breaks the Act for your actual damages, extra damages of up to $1,000, and court costs and attorney's fees.

Questions about collector laws in Arkansas

Related Arkansas pages

• All debt collection rights in Arkansas
• Sued by a debt collector in Arkansas: 30 days
• “Is my debt too old?” checker for Arkansas
• Dispute a debt and ask for proof (validation letter)
• Tell a collector to stop or limit contact
• Debt collector licensing by state
• Guide: how to dispute a debt
• Guide: how to stop collector calls

Debt collector laws in nearby states