Up FAQ #10: How must collectors verify a debt and who is supposed to mail the verification to me?
SITUATION: I received a computerized form called an “itemized statement of services rendered” from a collector. Upon closer examination, the form appeared to be from the collector’s own computer rather than from the creditor that provided the services (I’m familiar with their invoices). I called the original creditor and discovered that only phone verification was provided to the collector, no written documents were ever requested. Section 809(b) “Validation of the debt” requires debt collectors to obtain verification of the debt from the creditor and mail it to the consumer. The principal purpose of this section is to help consumers who have been mis-identified by the debt collector or who dispute the amount of the debt. It’s imperative that verification of the identity of a consumer and the amount of the debt be obtained directly from the creditor.
