What is a “limited-content message?”

Under the Debt Collection Rule, this is a voicemail message left for a consumer that must contain required information and may contain other optional information. A limited-content message is not a “communication,” meaning that it is not subject to other legal requirements and prohibitions. For example, a debt collector who leaves only a limited-content message does not violate the prohibition against third-party communications.

For a voicemail message to be a “limited-content message,” it must include the following information:

• A business name that does not indicate that the caller is a debt collector
• Telephone number(s) you can use to reply to the caller
• A request that you reply and the names of the people who you can contact to reply

The debt collector may also include the following optional information:

• A salutation
• The date and time of the message
• Suggested dates and times for you to reply
• That you may speak to any of the company’s representatives

To be a “limited-content message,” the voicemail message cannot contain any other information. Messages other than voicemail messages, such as text messages, are not limited-content messages. For more information about the definition of a limited-content message under the Debt Collection Rule, see Section 3.3 in the Debt Collection Small Entity Compliance Guide .

Learn more about limits on what a debt collector can say or do.

If you're having an issue with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372)