what to do if you get a collection letter from an attorney about an inaccurate bill

File a lawsuit against the collection agency for a violation of the FDCPA if the false claims against you are not dropped. You do not need an attorney to do this, but if you do opt to hire an attorney, you can request that the collection agency be required to pay your attorney's fees. Tip

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How to respond to a collection letter from a debt collector?

Dec 31, 2021 · You have the right to an accurate credit report, which means you can dispute collection accounts that don't belong to you. Write a letter to each of the credit bureaus that lists the inaccurate debt collection on your credit report. Explain that the account doesn't belong to you and provide copies of any proof you have that supports your claim. 

What happens if a debt collector can't prove you owe money?

Jul 27, 2017 · If you have received a collection letter from an attorney demanding you pay a debt, you may wonder how to determine if you you truly owe the money to which the attorney is referring. You have the right to create a first-response debt dispute letter, which asks the attorney to prove this debt is in your name and show what the debt is for. You can write this letter …

How do I dispute a medical bill that was sent to collections?

Once the collection company receives the letter, it must stop trying to collect the debt until sending you written verification of the debt, like a copy of the original bill for the amount you owe. Consider sending your letter by certified mail and requesting a return receipt to …

How do I dispute a debt collection notice?

Aug 05, 2009 · Of course, you always have the option of paying off your debt, but if you feel that the loan is invalid and the collector is mistaken, or that the additional fees and interest charges are excessive and possibly illegal, or if you just want the collector to verify that they are the legal owner of your debt and that they have the right to collect your debt, it is a good idea to write a …

What is the FTC law on debt collection?

The FTC enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when they collect debts. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you know your rights.

How long does it take to dispute a collection letter?

Make sure to send the dispute letter within 30 days. Once the collection company receives the letter, it must stop trying to collect the debt until sending you written verification of the debt, like a copy of the original bill for the amount you owe.

Can a debt collector contact you?

If an attorney is representing you, and you’ve told the collector, the debt collector must contact the attorney. A collector can contact other people to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work, but usually can’t contact them more than once, and cannot tell them you owe a debt.

What to do if you are represented by an attorney?

If you’re represented by an attorney, tell the collector. The collector must communicate with your attorney, not you, unless the attorney fails to respond to the collector’s communications within a reasonable time.

How to respond to a debt collection lawsuit?

If a debt collection lawsuit is filed against you, you’ll want to respond by the date specified in the court papers. And you can respond either personally or through your attorney. That will preserve your rights. Don’t ignore the lawsuit. To learn more, read What To Do if a Debt Collector Sues You.

Can a debt collector take money from your bank account?

Yes, but the collector must first sue you to get a court order — called a garnishment — that says it can take money from your paycheck to pay your debts. A collector also can seek a court order to take money from your bank account. Don’t ignore a lawsuit, or you could lose the chance to fight a court order.

What is garnishment in court?

The court order is called a garnishment. Many federal benefits are generally exempt from garnishment, except to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans. States have their own laws about which state benefits can be garnished.