Collection agencies - being the target of one can be an unpleasant experience. Nevertheless, that unpleasant experience should never extend so far that you are being harassed, lied to, or having your privacy invaded. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, is a law was designed to protect you from unfair and illegal practices by collection agencies and outlines the rules a collection agency must follow while attempting to collect debts. Here are some of the ways in which the Fair Debt Practices Act protects you: