Can a debt collector report a paid debt as unpaid?

No, a debt collector cannot report a paid debt as unpaid in California. Consumer debt defense law in California provides legal protections that forbid debt collectors from misleading consumers. This includes the reporting of any paid debts as unpaid. Under California consumer debt defense law, debt collectors must accurately report paid debts to credit reporting agencies when requested by the consumer. A debt collector must also provide the consumer with proof of the debt, including supporting documents such as a canceled check or receipt for any debt payments made. Consumers have the right to dispute any inaccurate claims about their credit report and can request the debt collector provide proof that the debt was not paid. If the debt collector is unable to provide evidence to support the claim, the consumer can take legal action. In California, consumers who are targeted by debt collectors acting in violation of the law can also take their case to civil court and pursue damages. This includes actual damages, like the costs incurred in dispute credit reports, as well as punitive damages for mental anguish caused by unfair debt collecting tactics.

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Can a debt collector report a paid debt as unpaid?

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