How to Use OpenClaw for Debt Collection — Compliance-Safe

Debt collection automation is high-reward but legally sensitive. The FDCPA has strict rules about timing, content, and frequency of contact. OpenClaw can automate the workflow while you stay compliant — but your attorney needs to review your templates first.

Communication Rules Config

// /workspace/collections/fdcpa-rules.json
{
  "contact_hours": { "earliest": "8:00", "latest": "21:00", "timezone": "debtor_local" },
  "contact_frequency": { "max_calls_per_day": 1, "min_days_between_written": 7 },
  "validation_notice_window_days": 30,
  "prohibited_contact": ["attorney_represented", "cease_and_desist", "bankruptcy"]
}

Initial Contact Workflow

# In AGENTS.md
## First Contact
For new accounts in /workspace/collections/accounts/new/:
1. Verify account not on do-not-contact list (/workspace/collections/dnc.csv)
2. Verify account not in bankruptcy
3. Generate validation notice with required FDCPA disclosures
4. Log: date of first contact, method, amount communicated
5. Start 30-day validation window — NO further contact during this period unless debtor responds

Post-Validation Contact Schedule

// /workspace/collections/contact-schedule.json
{
  "post_validation": [
    { "day": 31, "method": "letter", "template": "second-notice" },
    { "day": 45, "method": "phone", "template": "phone-script-1" },
    { "day": 60, "method": "letter", "template": "settlement-offer" },
    { "day": 90, "method": "letter", "template": "final-notice" }
  ]
}

Dispute Tracking

## Dispute Handling
When a dispute is received:
1. Log immediately to /workspace/collections/disputes/open.csv
2. STOP all collection activity on this account immediately
3. Request verification from original creditor within 30 days
4. Once verified: send verification to debtor and resume collection
5. If unverifiable: close account

Payment Plan Management

openclaw cron add "0 9 * * *" --name payment-plan-monitor \
  --task "Check /workspace/collections/payment-plans/active.csv for payments due today. Send reminders. If payment missed: log, send notice, flag for review after 2 consecutive misses."

Important: Have a collections attorney review all templates before deployment. FDCPA violations can result in statutory damages per violation.

The OpenClaw Playbook ($9.99) includes collections workflow templates with FDCPA compliance notes and an attorney-review checklist.