The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects debtors from being harassed by unscrupulous debt collectors.  It prohibits third parties collecting debt on behalf of somebody else (such as an association) from making false or misleading representations and from engaging in abusive and unfair practices in the collection of consumer debt.  It typically doesn't apply to homeowner associations attempting to collect a debt themselves.  Violations of the act can result in fines and damages plus attorney fees.

FDCPA Applies to Assessments.  Associations that