If a debt collector contacts you about a debt you do not recognize or an amount you think is wrong, check its validation information and the deadline for disputing it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says you have 30 days after receiving that information to dispute the debt in writing.
Check the notice and its deadline
Collectors generally provide a written validation notice with their first communication or within five days of first contact. It may arrive by mail or electronically.
Look for:
- A statement that the communication is from a debt collector.
- Your name and mailing information, the collector's name and mailing information, and the creditor's name. More than one creditor may be listed.
- The account number, if any, and the current amount of the debt.
- An itemization showing interest, fees, payments and credits since a specified date.
- Information for replying if the debt is not yours or the amount is wrong.
- The end date of the 30-day dispute period.
Put the request in writing
Within that 30-day period, send the collector a written request to verify the debt or provide information about the original creditor. CFPB says failing to seek verification in writing or within the period can affect your rights under the debt collection rule.
A timely written request requires the collector to pause collection of the amount you dispute until it adequately responds to your request.
If you think the collector failed to provide the required validation information, you can submit a complaint to CFPB. Its validation-notice guidance[1] explains the information and dispute process.
