Letter Informing Debt Collector of False or Misleading Misrepresentations in Collection Activities - Using False Representation or Deceptive Means to Collect a Debt - Asserting that the Debt Collector Cannot Accept Partial Payments When They Can

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.

Debt validation is your federal right granted under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). To request debt validation, you must send a written request to the debt collector within 30 days of being contacted by the collection agency.

In general, if you want to escalate the issue with the debt collector, you should do so within 30 days of receiving the validation letter. This includes disputing that you owe the debt, requesting additional verification of the debt, or requesting the name and address of the original creditor.

No. Debt collectors are prohibited from deceiving or misleading you while trying to collect a debt. Debt collectors are generally prohibited under federal law from using any false, deceptive, or misleading misrepresentation in collecting a debt.

You have the right to sue the collection agency if they act improperly for one year from the improper action. You can sue for lost wages and other expenses incurred, including legal and court costs. Also, the judge is allowed to award you up to $1,000 in punitive damages.

Once a debt collector receives written notice from a consumer that he or she refuses to pay the debt or wants the collector to stop further collection efforts, the debt collector must cease any further communication with the consumer except "(1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector's further efforts are being

If you pay the collection agency directly, the debt is removed from your credit report in six years from the date of payment. If you don't pay, it purges six years from the last activity date, but you may be at risk for wage garnishment.

Never Give Them Your Personal Information. A call from a debt collection agency will include a series of questions. Never Admit That The Debt Is Yours. Even if the debt is yours, don't admit that to the debt collector. Never Provide Bank Account Information.