You should dispute a debt if you believe you don't owe it or the information and amount is incorrect. While you can submit your dispute at any time, sending it in writing within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, which can be your initial communication with the debt collector.
You have two tools you can use to dispute a debt: first, a debt validation letter the debt collector is required to send you, outlining the debt and your rights around disputing it; then, a debt verification letter. You can submit a written request to get more information and temporarily halt collection efforts.
When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.
Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.
RIGHT TO DISPUTE THE DEBT: Within 30 DAYS of receiving notice of the debt from the debt collector, you can send a letter to the debt collector disputing the debt and requesting the name and contact information of the original creditor.
If you are not happy with the outcome of your complaint to your lender, or they do not respond at all, you can take your complaint to the FOS. You have six months from the date of your lender's final response to take your complaint to the FOS. Often your lender will tell you when their response is final.
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The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights ...
Once a company receives a complaint from the CFPB, it is responsible for responding within 15 calendar days. If the response is not final, the company is responsible for letting the CFPB know. They will then have up to 60 days to provide a final response.
File a complaint with your local consumer protection office or the state agency that regulates the company. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies.