Find Out More About a Debt in Collections

When a debt collector contacts you, they must give you certain basic information, either during the first call or in a letter called a "validation notice" within five days. This includes:

• Who the debt was originally owed to (the original creditor)
• Who the debt collector is
• How much they say you owe

If you don't recognize the company contacting you, it may be a hired debt collector or a company that bought the debt. Or it could be a scam.

Getting more information helps you confirm whether the debt is real and whether the debt collector has the legal right to collect it.

• For more on what to look for in a debt collection notice, see this article from the nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice.
• For more on what to do when first contacted by a debt collector, go here.

Look through any records you have about the debt — things like bills, statements, or payment confirmations. Do they match what the debt collector said? Does anything seem off?

Use this information to help you decide your next step. You can:

1. Ask for verification to get more information and, if you act quickly, put debt collection on hold.
2. Dispute the debt if you believe it's wrong or not yours.
3. Ignore it, but this can be risky. Keep reading to learn when that might make sense.

Keeping them straight: validation and verification

• A validation notice is what the debt collector must send you. It includes basic information about the debt.
• A verification request is what you send them. It's your written request asking them to prove the debt is real and that they have the right to collect it. Continue reading to learn more about this.

If you're not sure the debt is yours or you need more details, you can ask for verification. This means asking them to prove the debt is real and correct and that they have the right to collect it.

Send a letter within 30 days of when they first contacted you. Use certified mail and keep a copy for your records. In the letter, ask them to:

• Name who the debt was originally owed to (the original creditor)
• Break down how they calculated the amount, plus fees and interest
• Show that they have the legal right to collect from you

For a sample letter and instructions for asking for verification, see this guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a government agency that helps consumers.

What happens next: The debt collector must stop collection efforts until they send you written proof.

You should consider disputing the debt if:

• You think the debt isn't yours
• The amount is wrong
• You already paid some or all of it
• They added interest or fees you don't think are allowed
• The debt was canceled in bankruptcy
• The debt is from identity theft or fraud
• The debt is too old to collect 

Learn more about when debts are too old to collect here.

What to do:

• Send a letter within 30 days of when the debt collector first contacted you.
• Clearly explain why the debt is wrong.
• Include copies of any proof you have, like payment confirmations, statements, bank records, or court documents.

What happens next: The collector must stop trying to collect until they send you written proof.

Learn more about disputing a debt from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In most cases, it's better to respond to a debt collection notice, especially if you're not sure the debt is correct. But in some situations, it may make sense not to respond:

• You're sure it's a scam. Real debt collectors should send written notices, give you the name of the original creditor, and explain your rights. If they don't, it may be a scam. 

  For more, see this guide on how to tell if a debt collection call is real or a scam from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• You already disputed it and they haven't replied. If you sent a dispute or verification request within 30 days and the collector hasn't sent proof, they legally must stop trying to collect.

• The debt is very old. Most debts can't be collected through the courts after a certain number of years — in Oregon, it's usually six. If you respond or make a payment on an old debt, it might restart the clock and make it easier for them to sue.

  For more, see our article "Do I Have to Pay a Debt That's Really Old?"

If you're unsure, it's okay to pause. But don't wait too long. You have the most protection if you act within 30 days of first contact.

You have the most protection under the law if you send your dispute or verification request within 30 days of when the collector first contacts you. If you do:

• The debt collector must stop trying to collect
• They can't contact you again until they send written proof

If you wait more than 30 days, they can keep trying to collect while they review your request.

Even if you think the debt is probably yours, it's a good idea to ask for proof before agreeing to pay. 

• You don't have to pay or make promises until you're sure.
• Even if you owe the debt, it's possible the debt collector might not be allowed to collect it or collect all of what they claim.

• What to Do If a Debt Collector Contacts You
• What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do
• How to Stop a Debt Collector from Contacting You
• Do I Have to Pay a Debt That's Really Old?