What is a debt collector’s duty to verify a debt?

In the state of Washington, debt collectors must adhere to consumer debt defense law. This law outlines a debt collector’s duty to verify a debt, meaning they must provide evidence that any debt they are trying to collect is in fact owed by the consumer. When a debt collector reaches out to a consumer to collect on a debt, they must have a reasonable basis to believe the debt is valid. This means they must provide evidence of the amount owed, the original creditor, and that the consumer is responsible for repayment of the debt. This evidence may be in the form of a copy of a contract or written documentation from the original creditor. Debt collectors must also provide consumers with a written notice of the debt within five days of making their first contact. This written notice must include the name of the original creditor, the approximate date the debt was incurred, and the amount owed. Additionally, if the consumer believes the debt is invalid or incorrect, they have the right to dispute it within thirty days. In conclusion, debt collectors in the state of Washington have a legal duty to verify any debt they are attempting to collect. This includes providing evidence of the debt’s validity, notifying consumers of the debt in writing, and allowing them 30 days to dispute any incorrect information.

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What is a debt collector’s duty to verify a debt?

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