What information does a debt collector have to give me about a debt they’re trying to collect from me? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

What information does a debt collector have to give me about a debt they’re trying to collect from me? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

This validation information includes the name of the creditor, the amount you owe, and how to dispute the debt. If the debt collector doesn't or can't provide this information, it could be a scam. Never give sensitive financial information to the caller, at least not until you've confirmed they're legitimate.

Once the collection company gets the letter, it must stop trying to collect the debt until it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of the original bill for the amount you owe.

Within five days after a debt collector first contacts you, it must send you a written notice, called a "validation notice," that tells you (1) the amount it thinks you owe, (2) the name of the creditor, and (3) how to dispute the debt in writing.

If you choose not to verify your identity by providing information, like your Social Security number, the debt collector will generally ask you for another form of identification, including: Account number for the debt in question, if you know it. Other contact information, such as your current or previous address.

One of the most rigorous rules in their favor is the 7-in-7 rule. This rule states that a creditor must not contact the person who owes them money more than seven times within a 7-day period. Also, they must not contact the individual within seven days after engaging in a phone conversation about a particular debt.

Even if you owe money, debt collectors aren't allowed to threaten, harass, or publicly shame you. You have the right to order a debt collector to stop contacting you, and they must comply. If there's a mistake, and you really don't owe the debt, you can take steps to remedy the error.

Social Security Number. If the debt collector does not already have your Social Security number, do not provide it to them. Not only does that protect your privacy and help prevent the debt from being reported to the credit bureaus, but it can help prevent identity theft.

Debt collectors don't want you to know that you can make them stop calling, they can't do most of what they tell you, payment deadlines are phony, threats are inflated, and they can't find out how much you have in the bank. Furthermore, if you're out of state, they may have no legal recourse to collect.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible? ›

Ask the caller for their name, company, street address, and telephone number. If your state licenses debt collectors, you can also ask for a professional license number.

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

A debt collector is also not allowed to harass, oppress, or abuse you or anyone else they contact. This includes repetitious phone calls with the intent to harass, use of obscene or profane language, and threats of violence or harm.

People often ask what bailiffs and debt collectors can do. Both can come to your home, but they are not the same. The most important thing is: A debt collector has no special legal powers to collect a debt.

In order to win a court case, a debt collector must prove that they have proper ownership of the debt, that you actually owe the debt, and that the amount they claim you owe is correct.

Your FDCPA dispute rights are a powerful tool. Once you dispute the debt, the debt collector must stop all debt collection activities until it provides you with proof that you actually owe the debt. If the debt collector can't provide you with that proof, it will never bother you again.

A good collection agency can conduct research based on an old address or old phone number. Supporting documents, such as a signed contract, invoice, or other paperwork, can be very helpful. A debt collector will be more confident if they have documentation to back up the claim.

A debt validation letter is a letter that debt collectors must provide that includes information about the size of your debt, when to pay it, and how to dispute it. A debt collection letter essentially proves you owe the debt collector money.