No Cost
Legal Review

I don't recognize the debt. What information must the collector provide?

You should receive a letter in the mail within five days of a debt collector contacting you. This first letter must state the amount of the debt and the name of the original creditor to whom the debt is owed. A statement of the consumer's rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act must also be prominently displayed.

  • Unless you dispute the debt within 30 days after receiving the letter, the collector will assume the debt is valid.
  • The collector will mail proof of the debt within 30 days of receipt of the initial collection letter if you dispute the debt in writing.
  • If you don't recognize the creditor, write to the collector within 30 days to request the name and address of the original creditor.

If the consumer disputes the debt, or any portion of the debt, a Validation and Itemization letter may be sent to the collector requesting they provide: 

  • Proof of the debt (agreements or statements from the creditor).
  • Confirmation that the collector is permitted to collect it (Proof that the creditor assigned or sold the debt).
  • A detailed itemization showing how the claimed balance was calculated (Principal, interest, late fees, over the limit fees, etc.).

Flitter Milz recommends that all disputes and correspondence with the collector be  IN WRITING and sent by Certified Mail, Return Receipt. It is important to have written confirmation that the collector has received your dispute.