More and more people are getting harassed by a bill collector for a bill that’s already been paid, or never was your bill. If this ever happens to you, here’s what experts recommend you should do to resolve the situation.
First, Dispute the Debt Within 30 Days. If a consumer doesn’t take this step, the debt collector will assume the debt to be valid.
Get Verification of the Debt. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act says verification is simply providing the name and address of the original creditor or the copy of a court judgment saying you owe the debt.
Tell the Debt Collector to Stop Contacting You. If you don't think that the verification proves the debt is yours, you can notify the collector in writing not to contact you anymore, and by law, the company must cease.
If You Are Sued, Respond Immediately. Even though by law debt collectors must stop calling you if you request it, their debt-collection efforts can still continue, including filing a lawsuit against you. According to an attorney, if you don't answer in time, they will win by default in the courts. They can go to the court and try to garnish your wages and freeze your bank account.
Complain—or Sue. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is where you can submit a complaint. You can also take complaints to your state’s attorney general, who can enforce fair debt collection practices. You can take the debt collector to court.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
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