Which of the following describes a 'debt collector' under the TDCA?

• A. A consumer who owes a debt.
• B. A bank that issues credit cards.
• C. A debt collection agency working on behalf of a creditor, including the creditor's own staff who collect debts.
• D. A person selling goods at retail.

Answer: (C)

TDCA defines a debt collector broadly: anyone who regularly collects or attempts to collect debts owed to another, including the creditor’s own staff who perform debt collection. So a debt collection agency working on behalf of a creditor, and even the creditor’s own employees who collect debts, fits that definition. The other descriptions describe the person who owes the debt, the creditor as the issuer, or a retailer, none of which are about collecting debts for others.