Can I sue collection agencies for not providing debt validation?

If you can prove the debt collector has violated your rights under the FDCPA, you can sue in federal or state court for up to $1,000, including damages. 5 You should also report violations to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

How do I ask a collection to verify a debt?

A simple sentence saying “I request verification of my debt” will suffice. Send it to the collector’s mailing address that is listed on the collection letters or your bills. You don’t have to send it by certified mail. Remember to keep a copy of the letter for your records.

Can a debt collector continue to collect after verification?

Within the verification period, but before you actually request verification, collectors may continue with collection actions.

How to prove a debt to a collection agency?

A collection agency or debt collector need only provide the following for proof of the debt: A credit card statement (such as a charge-off statement) that matches the balance claimed by the debt collector.

When to send a debt validation letter to a debt collector?

In addition, it’s not your responsibility to inform a debt collector of the debt collector’s responsibilities. If the debt collector is unaware of his responsibilities, it’s his problem. Mail your debt validation letter within 30 days of the intitial communication from the collector.

Can a debt collector make you prove invalidity?

A debt collector cannot make you prove or demonstrate the invalidity of the debt, or make you provide reasons why you want verification of the debt. After You Request Verification Within the verification period, but before you actually request verification, collectors may continue with collection actions.

Within the verification period, but before you actually request verification, collectors may continue with collection actions.

What to do if you get a collection call about a debt?

Find out who’s calling. Get the name of the collector, the collection company, its address, and phone number. 2. Get “validation” information about the debt. Within 5 days of first contacting you, debt collectors must “validate” or tell you the amount of the debt, the name of the current creditor, and how to get the name of the original creditor.

What do you need to know about debt verification?

You want to verify that the collector actually owns the debt it is trying to collect. A debt collector only has to provide basic information about your debt in verifying it. It is not required to specifically address any particular reason you may have for wanting verification of the debt.