What can happen if a debt collector has made a mistake?

In Washington, debt collectors are subject to Collection Defense Law, which protects consumers from unfair or deceptive practices. If a debt collector has made a mistake, they can be held legally liable to you for their wrongdoing. For example, if a collector tries to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy or one that belongs to another person, you can demand that the collector cease their collection activity. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for damages or a court order to stop them. In addition, if a debt collector attempts to collect unlawfully on a debt or fails to provide proper validation of the debt, you may be able to sue them for actual damages or statutory damages. These types of damages can include the amount of your time spent dealing with the collector, any attorney fees and costs associated with the collection, and even punitive damages if appropriate. If a debt collector has made a mistake, they should make it right and do so as quickly as possible. If they do not make it right, you may have a legal claim. It is always best to consult an attorney that is experienced in Collection Defense Law to understand your rights and to ensure that your rights are protected.

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