California Civil Code § 1788.11(f) Gives Consumers Important Rights Against Debt Collectors
California consumers have significant protections against improper debt collection practices. One provision that consumers may not know about is California Civil Code § 1788.11(f), part of the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This law places a specific requirement on certain written and digital communications sent by debt collectors: when applicable, the collector’s California license number must be displayed in at least 12-point type.
For consumers receiving collection letters, emails, text messages, or other digital communications, this requirement can be an important indication of whether a collector is following California law.
What Does California Civil Code § 1788.11(f) Require?
Under the current version of § 1788.11(f), a debt collector may not attempt to collect a covered debt by sending a written or digital communication that fails to display the collector’s California license number, if applicable, in at least 12-point type. The current language became effective January 1, 2025, following amendments to the Rosenthal Act.
This means consumers should pay attention not only to what a collection notice says, but also to the identifying information included in the communication.
Why Does the License Number Matter?
California requires debt collectors covered by its licensing requirements to comply with state regulations governing collection activities. Requiring the license number to appear prominently on communications makes it easier for consumers to identify the company contacting them and determine whether the collector appears to be operating under the appropriate California license.
The 12-point-type requirement is also significant. A collector cannot necessarily satisfy the statute by burying applicable licensing information in extremely small print that an ordinary consumer could easily overlook. The statute establishes a specific minimum type size.
What Should You Look for in a Collection Letter or Text?
If you receive a debt collection communication in California, keep the original letter, email, text message, or other correspondence. Look for the debt collector’s name and California license number. If a license number is required but is missing—or appears in print smaller than the statute requires—the communication may raise concerns under California’s debt collection laws.
Consumers should also preserve screenshots of text messages and emails. Digital communications can provide important evidence of exactly what the collector sent and how the information appeared when it was received.
California Law Provides Broader Protection Against Collection Harassment
Section 1788.11 contains several additional restrictions on collection conduct. Among other things, it addresses obscene or profane language, calls made without proper identification, repeatedly causing a telephone to ring to annoy someone, and telephone or in-person communications occurring with unreasonable frequency so as to constitute harassment.
A missing or improperly displayed license number may therefore be only one issue with a collector’s conduct. Repeated calls, harassment, misleading statements, or other improper collection tactics should also be documented.
Contact Bontrager Law About Debt Collection Violations
If a debt collector is contacting you in California, save every letter, text message, email, and voicemail you receive. The details of those communications can be important when determining whether your rights have been violated.
Bontrager Law represents California consumers dealing with debt collection harassment and potentially unlawful collection practices. If you believe a debt collector violated California Civil Code § 1788.11(f) or other state or federal consumer protection laws, contact Bontrager Law to discuss the collection activity and your legal options.