Must a debt collector give me written notice before attempting to collect a debt?

Generally speaking, yes. In Washington, debt collectors must provide debtors with a written notice at least three days prior to attempting to collect a debt. This notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and the right of the debtor to dispute the debt. Debt collectors are prohibited from attempting to collect the debt before the written notice is provided. In addition, debt collectors must provide debtors with a receipt of any payment they make. The receipt must include the date the payment was received and the amount of the payment. Debt collectors must also provide an itemized accounting of the debt. This accounting must include the total amount due, the total amount of any payments applied, and any balance that remains. If the debt is disputed, debt collectors cannot attempt to collect on the debt until they provide the debtor with verification of the debt. The debt collector must send the verification either within five days of first contacting the debtor or before the court hearing to determine the validity of the debt, whichever occurs first. If the debt collector violates any of these requirements, the debtor may file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General. The Attorney General has the authority to take legal action against the debt collector, including requiring the payment of fines, the return of illegally collected funds, and other appropriate remedies.

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Must a debt collector give me written notice before attempting to collect a debt?

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