The FDCPA applies to everyone who collects consumer debts for someone else, including attorneys who collect consumer debts. While creditors collecting their own accounts are excluded from the act, most creditors follow the act’s mandates and prohibitions in the interest of using sound and fair business practices.  The FDCPA requires that debt collectors treat debtors fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. Of course, the law does not erase any legitimate debts that are owed.