Know your rights ·

A collector says I owe money I do not recognize

General information for New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC · Last updated

Quick answer

Verify the collector and request the required debt information before paying an unfamiliar demand.

Do now

Keep the notice and envelope. Independently verify contact details. Review the stated dispute period and send a written dispute or request through a traceable method where appropriate. CFPB describes a 30-day validation period for covered notices.

Watch for

Disputing with a collector does not answer a court lawsuit. Do not provide passwords, bank-login details, or payment to an unverified caller.

Official sources

CFPB — Required Debt-Collection Information, FTC — Debt Collection FAQs.

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