Upon initial contact from Weltman, Weinberg, & Reis, individuals should refrain from making any immediate commitments or payments. Instead, they should request a validation notice, which outlines key details about the debt, including its origin, amount, and creditor. Verifying this information is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the claim and protecting against potential errors or fraudulent activities. Additionally, individuals should familiarize themselves with their rights under the FDCPA, empowering them to respond appropriately to any further communication from the collector.