Within 5 days of a debt collector’s initial communication with you, he must provide you with a validation notice containing the following information about the debt:
The amount of the debt
The name of the original creditor to whom the debt is owed
A statement that, unless you dispute the validity of the debt or any portion of it within 30 days after receipt of the notice, the debt can be assumed to be valid by the debt collector
A statement that, if you notify the debt collector in writing within the 30-day period that the debt or any portion is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against you and a copy will be mailed to you.
A statement that the debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor (if different from the current creditor) upon your request within the 30- day period
Verification of the debt.
If you demand verification of the debt within 30 days of receiving the Validation Letter, the debt collector MUST cease collection efforts until it mails you verification of the debt. Verification may take the form of credit card statements but often takes the form of an affidavit by someone that has no idea about whether your account is valid or not.
If a debt collector is bothering you, call or email Attorney Gary Nitzkin for a free consultation at (888) 293-2882.
