Debt collectors have been known to harass consumers by using abusive, unfair, and deceptive practices in order to collect debts owed.

The Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) is the California state fair debt collection act, adopted in 1977 to deal with unfair debt collection practices in the state. The RFDCPA is largely based on the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). California debt collector harassment is thus governed by both the federal and the state Acts.

As a general matter, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Act (RFDCPA) and other consumer acts in California treat the debt of separated spouses the same as when they were together. In reality, however, the practical differences are extensive. Under the California civil code, the earnings of both the husband and wife are taken into account when the debt is distributed.

Provided they abide by the legal rules, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) debt collectors are allowed to call alleged debtors over the phone in an attempt to collect debts. However, with changing times, new steps in the credit applications process, and advanced communications technology, have led to other forms of collections communications which can likewise be abused by unscrupulous collectors.