Under CFPB Regulation F (12 C.F.R. § 1006.2(j)), a limited-content message is defined as a voicemail message left for a consumer that includes all required content items, may include specific optional content items, and includes no other content. The required content consists of: (1) a business name for the debt collector that does not indicate that the collector is in the debt collection business, (2) a request that the consumer reply, (3) the name or names of natural persons whom the consumer can contact to reply, and (4) a telephone number the consumer can use to reply. Optional content is limited to a salutation, date and time, suggested reply times, and a statement that the consumer may speak to any representative or associate. Under 12 C.F.R. § 1006.2(d), leaving only a limited-content message is not a 'communication' regarding a debt, allowing collectors to leave voicemails without risking unauthorized disclosure to third parties who might overhear the message.
Limited-Content Message
A limited-content message is a specific voicemail message left for a consumer by a debt collector that contains only statutorily enumerated required and optional details, thereby preventing unlawful third-party debt disclosure under Regulation F.
How this term is used
What the law covers
This regulatory definition is defined in CFPB Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.2(j). It applies solely to voicemail messages left for consumers in connection with covered consumer debts. It does not apply to text messages, emails, live phone conversations, or postal mail. If a voicemail contains any phrase, department name (e.g., 'credit card collections department'), or detail beyond the strict required and optional list, it ceases to be a limited-content message and is classified as a communication under § 1006.2(d), subjecting the collector to potential liability under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(b) if heard by a third party. The rule does not apply to commercial B2B collections.
This note is informational. It is not legal, credit, or tax advice. Check the cited source and its date before you rely on it.
Why this matters
Before Regulation F, collectors faced a legal dilemma between the FDCPA's requirement to meaningfully disclose their identity and the prohibition against disclosing debt information to third parties who might hear an answering machine. The limited-content message creates an objective operational standard. Adhering strictly to its required and permitted elements enables automated dialing and agent voicemails to proceed without incurring third-party disclosure liability.
FAQ
What does Limited-Content Message mean?
A limited-content message is a specific voicemail message left for a consumer by a debt collector that contains only statutorily enumerated required and optional details, thereby preventing unlawful third-party debt disclosure under Regulation F.
Which official source covers Limited-Content Message?
The sources at the bottom of this page link the statute, rule, or agency document this entry relies on. Check the date on that source before you rely on it.
What else is Limited-Content Message called?
Other names used for this term include LCM, Regulation F limited-content message, Safe-harbor voicemail, Debt collector voicemail message.
Sources
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