If a debt collector contacts me, am I required to pay the debt?
In Washington, you are not required to pay the debt if a debt collector contacts you. However, that does not mean that you do not have to pay the debt. Debt collectors are required to abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). According to the FDCPA, debt collectors must provide you with written notice that explains your rights regarding the debt. This notice should include information about the debt, such as the amount you owe, the creditor, and the law that allows the debt collector to collect the debt. Once you receive this notice, you can choose to pay the debt or dispute the debt. If you dispute the debt, the debt collector must stop collection activities until they can provide additional proof that the debt is valid. If you choose to pay the debt, you should make sure that you make payment arrangements that you can keep up with. Additionally, it is important to get written documentation from the debt collector of any payment arrangement that you make. This will help protect you and ensure that the debt collector is complying with the FDCPA.
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