What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

If you live in Washington and are contacted by a debt collector, it is important to take certain steps to protect yourself. Consumer Fraud law in Washington provides certain consumer rights to protect you from unfair practices by debt collectors. The first step is to ask the debt collector to provide written proof of the debt, including the name of the original creditor, the amount owed and other details. You should also keep track of all correspondence and phone calls with the debt collector. Next, if you dispute the debt, you should contact the debt collector in writing to explain why you dispute the amount or legitimacy of the debt. The debt collector then has 30 days to provide you with written verification of the debt. If the debt collector is violating the law, you may want to consider hiring a consumer law attorney. A consumer law attorney can help you determine your rights and identify violations of consumer protection laws. Finally, you should always be aware of your rights under consumer fraud law in Washington. This can include the right to receive timely notice of any collection efforts, the right to dispute the debt, and the right to consult an attorney. If any of your rights have been violated, you should contact a consumer law attorney for assistance.

Related FAQs

What is false advertising?
How do I choose a consumer lawyer?
What should I do if I experience identity theft?
What are the penalties for criminal fraud?
What is the difference between consumer fraud and product liability?
What consumer fraud hotlines are available?
What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?
What is the statute of limitations for consumer fraud lawsuits?
What is the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in consumer fraud?
What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in consumer fraud?

What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts