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According to the FDCPA, this statement must include the following to be considered valid. The amount of the money owed. The name of the original creditor. A statement that if you don't dispute the debt within thirty days, the debt is assumed valid. A statement that if you dispute the debt within thirty days, the agency will obtain proof of the debt and send it to you. A statement that upon request, the agency will provide the name and address of the original creditor, if it differs from the current creditor. It is very important to make sure you actually owe the money the collector says you do. Though it is illegal, creditors could inflate the amount of money you owe to make a greater profit. You legally have thirty days to dispute the charge and ask for validation of the debt. Once you do so, the collector must cease pursuing you for the money until he produces proof of the original debt. The agency must provide one of the following. Proof that they either own or have been assigned the debt from the original creditor. A copy of a statement from the original creditor. When the agency provides proof that you owe the money, you still have options. Each state has different laws on how long a debt is considered effective. These are mostly, but not universally, less than ten years. When a collection agency comes after you for outdated debt, it is known as zombie debt (Deal with Zombie Debt). Check the date of the proof the agency provided. Then match it against the statute of limitations for debt in your state. If the date of the original debt is older than the statute of limitations, you can no longer be sued for the debt. They can call you, they can contact you, but they can't sue you or threaten you. If the agency has not provided adequate proof of your debt, their claim is not legitimate. Send a certified letter informing them that their actions are in violation of the FDCPA and you will pursue legal action if they keep trying to collect from you.
Examine the bill the agency sends you. Request validation of your debt. Check the statute of limitations on your debt. Threaten to sue if your debt is not legitimate.