The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has published an updated Notice of Adoption for its debt collection SHIELD Rule, confirming that the regulations will take effect on Sept. 1, 2026.
The updated notice incorporates revisions made earlier in 2026, including changes to reporting requirements for collection agencies, updated validation and verification procedures, and the finalized penalty schedule for rule violations. The latest version of the Notice of Adoption is available here:
https://rules.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DCWP-NOA-Debt-Collector-Penalty-Schedule.pdf
The DCWP held a public hearing on June 1 to discuss amendments to the penalty schedule. According to the department, the revisions were made to improve accuracy and ensure all potential violations are properly identified with corresponding penalty amounts.Ā
While the updated schedule clarifies how violations will be assessed, it doesĀ notĀ change the existing penalty amounts, and noĀ additionalĀ revisions to the SHIELD Rule were adopted following the June hearing.Ā
During the hearing, industry representatives encouraged the DCWP to publish detailed guidance and comprehensive FAQs well before theĀ rule’sĀ implementation. They noted thatĀ additionalĀ clarification would help businesses better understand their compliance obligations and reduce uncertainty, particularly for smaller collection agencies.
Following the hearing,Ā the DCWPĀ released several compliance resources designed to help debt collectorsĀ prepare forĀ the new requirements. These include:Ā
- Debt Collector Report for Consumer Activity:Ā https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Debt-Consumer-Activity-Report.pdfĀ
- Template Notice of Unverified Debt ā Original Creditor:Ā https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Template-Notice-Unverified-Debt-Original-Creditor.pdfĀ
- Template Notice of Unverified Debt ā Not Original Creditor:Ā https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Template-Notice-Unverified-Debt-Not-Original-Creditor.pdfĀ
The department has also announced that the Notice of Unverified Debt is being translated into 10 languages, withĀ additionalĀ compliance materials expected to be posted as they become available.Ā
The final amendments reflect the DCWP’s efforts to address feedback received during the rulemaking process while preserving the overall framework of the SHIELD Rule. With the rule scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1, 2026, the Notice of Adoption and the newly released compliance resources provideĀ additionalĀ detail on the reporting requirements, validation procedures, and penalty schedule that will apply under the updated regulations.Ā
Author:Ā Jennifer Evancic
Jennifer.Evancic@ResourceManagement.com
Jennifer Evancic is a third-party auditor valued by creditors and large organizations for her knowledge in call monitoring within the collections industry. With meticulous attention to detail and a firm grasp of regulatory requirements, she ensures compliance with clientsā criteria and state and federal regulations.
Jennifer audits collections calls, ensuring they meet client-specific criteria and comply with regulations, providing valuable insights and maintaining industry standards.
Beyond her auditing responsibilities, Jennifer takes the lead in organizing and facilitating monthly call calibrations. These sessions serve as a collaborative forum where clients and their vendors come together to discuss call monitoring results and address any findings or areas for improvement. Jenniferās guidance fosters open communication and ensures alignment between clients and vendors, driving continuous improvement in collections practices.
Jennifer stays up-to-date with compliance and industry best practices by participating regularly in peer meetings, regulatory updates and industry webinars. This keeps her informed about emerging issues and ensures she remains a knowledgeable leader in collections compliance.
