Texas law holds your business responsible for any debt-collector violations, so verify surety bond, TDCA compliance, and strong data-security before handing over accounts. Pick proven compliance and highest net-back—not the cheapest quote—or risk fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Things to check before hiring a collection agency:
1. Confirm They’ve Filed the Mandatory $10,000 Surety Bond
Every third-party debt collector must file a $10,000 “Third-Party Debt Collector Surety Bond” with the Texas Secretary of State before touching a Texas account. Ask for the bond number and verify it online.
2. Check Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) Policies
The TDCA (Texas Finance Code §392) bans threats, false lawsuits, and other abusive tactics. Violations are misdemeanors carrying $100–$500 fines per count—plus civil liability.
3. Make Sure They Follow the FDCPA for Consumer Debts
Even if your past-due invoices are business-to-business, many agencies also collect consumer debt. One FDCPA slip can cost up to $1,000 per consumer, plus actual damages and attorney fees.
4. Demand Written Compliance with the Texas Data Privacy & Security Act
Effective July 1 2024, the TDPSA lets the Attorney General fine companies up to $7,500 per violation for mishandling Texans’ personal data. Ensure the agency has encryption, role-based access, and a 30-day cure process.
5. Verify Registration (or Exemption) with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner
While the OCCC licenses lenders, many agencies also hold OCCC registrations for related services. An agency that ignores the regulator is a red flag.
6. Review Their Call & Letter Scripts
Look for limited call attempts, no post-card notices, bilingual support, and a no-threat policy. Your brand name will appear in every communication.
7. Inspect Cybersecurity & Portal Controls
Require MFA on client portals, SOC 2 audits, and no unencrypted spreadsheets. A single breach can trigger both TDPSA penalties and surety-bond claims.
8. Compare Net-Back—Not Headline Rates
Calculate dollars-returned-after-fees. A 25 % agency that nets $8,000 beats a 15 % shop that only recovers $4,000.
9. Demand a Transparent Contract
Look for:
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Indemnification if the agency violates a law
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No hidden litigation, skip-trace, or credit-report fees
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Easy termination clause when results lag
What Happens if You Hire a Non-Compliant Agency?
| Misstep | Governing Law | 2025 Penalty Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| No $10k bond on file | TX Fin. Code §392.101 | Bond claim + injunction; collection efforts void |
| Abusive calls/threats | TDCA | $100–$500 per violation + misdemeanor record |
| Harassment/deception | FDCPA | Up to $1,000 per consumer + damages/fees |
| Data-privacy breach | TDPSA | Up to $7,500 per affected record |
| False credit-reporting | FCRA + TDCA | Statutory & actual damages; AG enforcement |
| Unfair practices (B2B) | Deceptive Trade Practices Act | Up to $20,000 per violation, treble damages for seniors |
Add attorney fees, lost customers, and brand damage, and the “cheapest” agency quickly becomes the most expensive.
Why Rock-Bottom Rates Are a Red Flag
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No budget for compliance. Licensing, bonding, and SOC 2 audits cost real money.
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High-volume mills. Collectors juggle thousands of files; smaller debts get no follow-up.
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Hidden add-ons. Low bids often exclude skip-tracing, asset searches, or suit preparation.
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Offshore data risks. Cheap labor ≠ TDPSA-grade security.
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Higher complaint ratios. Agencies that cut corners draw Texas AG and CFPB scrutiny—dragging your company with them.
Bottom Line
Choose the agency with the strongest compliance track record and highest net-back, not the one with the lowest sticker price. A few minutes of due diligence can shield your Texas business from fines, lawsuits, and reputation blow-ups.