§1692g Validation of Debts

Summary

Debt collectors must send you a written notice within five days after they first contact you about a debt, unless the first message already gave the same details or you’ve paid. The notice must tell you how much you owe, who the current creditor is, that you have 30 days to dispute the debt, that if you dispute in writing they will mail you proof of the debt or a copy of any judgment, and that you can ask in writing within 30 days for the original creditor’s name and address if it’s different. If you send a written dispute or request for the original creditor’s contact within 30 days, the collector must stop trying to collect the disputed amount until they mail the verification, judgment, or original creditor info. Collectors may still do normal collection actions during the 30 days unless you have sent the written notice. Not disputing the debt does not count as admitting you owe it. Formal court papers and certain required tax or privacy/breach notices are not treated as the first contact.