What happens if I make a payment to the wrong debt collector?

If you make a payment to the wrong debt collector in Washington state, it may be difficult to get that money back. While the debt collector is not allowed to collect more than what is owed on the debt, the collection agency may in some cases keep the payment if the repayment is made to the wrong party. If this is the case, it is generally up to the person who made the payment to prove that the payment was made in error and should be returned. In some cases, the person who made the payment may be able to submit a claim to small claims court to seek reimbursement. This is why it is important to make sure that you are making the payment to the right party. You should read carefully any agreement that states who you are paying, as it may be different than the company to whom you actually owe the debt. If you are uncertain, you can always contact the creditor or collection agency directly to verify the name of the creditor. In addition, you may want to consider paying the debt via a check or money order rather than with a debit or credit card, so that the payment is traceable if necessary.

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What happens if I make a payment to the wrong debt collector?

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