Debts from purchasing a good or service for personal, family, or household purposes are covered under the FDCPA. The purchase does not have to be from a credit transaction, such as buying something with a credit card, and a judgment against a consumer is not required for a debt to be covered under the FDCPA.
Debts from purchasing a good or service for business purposes are not covered under the FDCPA. Other forms of debt, such as certain unpaid taxes, fines, and tickets, as well as property tax assessments are not covered under the FDCPA. Similarly, tort claims, past-due child support, alimony, and other support payments are not considered debt under the FDCPA.