What are my rights when dealing with a debt collector?

When dealing with a debt collector, you have certain rights under Consumer Debt Defense law in Washington. First, you have the right to be treated with fairness and respect. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors may not harass, abuse, or otherwise mistreat you. This means they may not use threats, profane or obscene language, or otherwise attempt to intimidate you. Second, you have the right to be informed about your debt. Debt collectors must provide you with enough information that you can determine that the debt is actually yours. This includes providing you with the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and the date on which the debt was incurred. Third, you have the right to dispute the debt. If you do not believe the debt is yours or that it is incorrect, you can dispute it with the debt collector. You should do this in writing and include a detailed explanation of why you dispute the debt. Finally, you have the right to privacy. Debt collectors may not contact you at inconvenient times, such as before 8:00am or after 9:00pm. They may not contact you at work if your employer does not allow it. And they may not discuss your debt with anyone other than you or your attorney. It is important to remember that you have these rights under Consumer Debt Defense law in Washington. If a debt collector violates any of these rights, you may be able to take legal action. So, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your rights before engaging with a debt collector.

Related FAQs

How do I negotiate with a debt collector?
What is a debt collector’s duty to disclose?
What is wage garnishment?
Can I be held liable for a debt if I co-signed a loan?
What is a charge-off?
Can a debt collector repo my car?
What is a creditor’s rights attorney?
Can a debt collector report a paid debt as unpaid?
What is a debt collector’s duty to verify a debt?
How long does a debt remain on my credit report?

What are my rights when dealing with a debt collector?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts