How do I know if I am being pursued by a legitimate debt collector?

If you are being pursued by a debt collector in Washington, you can verify that they are legitimate by requesting information about the debt. Legitimate debt collectors, who are subject to Collection Defense Law in Washington, are required to provide you with a written notice of the amount of the debt and the name of the original creditor. This notice should also include information about your rights, such as the right to dispute the debt, request validation of the debt, and a request to be provided with the name and address of the original creditor. Additionally, legitimate debt collectors will not engage in harassing behavior or use abusive language. They are also prohibited from calling repeatedly or making threats of legal action. If you are being pursued by a debt collector, you can verify their legitimacy by checking that their contact information is accurate and that they are certified with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. If the debt collector fails to provide detailed information about the debt and their certification and contact information, they may not be legitimate. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the debt collector, you should contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to request assistance. You can also contact a consumer protection attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

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How do I know if I am being pursued by a legitimate debt collector?

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