Is it illegal to collect a debt for which I am not responsible?

In the state of Washington, it is illegal to collect a debt for which you are not responsible. This is part of a law called Collection Defense Law. This law was created to protect consumers from debt collection companies or individuals who are collecting a debt from someone who may not actually owe the money. Under this law, it is illegal for a debt collection company to attempt to collect a debt from someone who is not legally responsible for it. This includes trying to collect on a debt that has already been paid, trying to collect on a debt for which someone else is responsible (for example, they are a cosigner or guarantor and not the primary debtor), or attempting to collect on an incorrect debt. It is also illegal for them to use deceptive or misleading practices to try and collect on the debt. This includes false and/or misleading statements about the debt, misrepresenting the amount of the debt, or using unfair practices such as attempting to unlawfully increase the amount of the debt. Moreover, the debt collector cannot threaten to take legal action if they do not intend to do so. They also cannot use false or misleading language on any documents or letters they sent to the consumer. If you are being contact by a debt collector about a debt for which you are not legally responsible, you have the right to have the debt collector stop trying to collect on it. You can contact the debt collector and ask them to stop contacting you or you can contact an attorney to help you protect your rights under Collection Defense Law.

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Is it illegal to collect a debt for which I am not responsible?

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