When you are first contacted by a debt collector, they have to provide you with written notification of the fact that they are collecting a debt and that any information they gather will be used for that purpose only.
Debt collectors also have to inform you of:
- How much debt is owed
- Who the debt is being collected for
- Your right to dispute the debt
- Your right to know the original creditor’s name
- Your right to seek validation by making a written demand for validation within 30 days of getting their collection letter
When you receive a debt collection letter, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced debt collection attorney to help you and ensure that your legal rights are not being violated.