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Your Validation Of Debt Plan: Collection Agency VOD

step by step on what to do if you receive a collection notice

You receive a collection notice from a collection agency saying you have a debt due. You're not sure it's yours or that the amount due is correct. As soon as you receive it, send a VOD request to the collection agency, certified mail (keep your receipt) asking them to send proof to you of the debt. If their address is on the letter you may use that address or search for the Registered Agent of the collection agency and send your certified VOD to that address. To find the Registered Agent of the Collection agency go to http://www.residentagentinfo.com/

Be sure their letter also contains the Mini-Miranda warning. All collection letters must contain this notice, and if it doesn't you can cite that in your complaint letter too. The Mini_Miranda is that little tag line that says "this is an attempt to collect a debt, etc." At the same time dispute the collection account with the credit bureaus (only the credit bureau that is currently reporting it!) otherwise you risk inserting it.

Wait for the collection agency to respond, about 30 days or so. Normally you will receive nothing more than a printout from the collection agency which is not adequate proof. Some will argue that the FDCPA is not specific in what is considered adequate proof and believe me, collection agencies fully believe this. I say, no! The FDCPA is specific in that, if the debtor requests a VOD from a collection agency, they must obtain verification from the original creditor. Period!

Related to Validation of Debt
What to do if the FDCPA is violated: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protection
DIY Credit Repair Step by Step: How to fix your credit yourself
Dealing with Collection Agencies: How to handle collection agencies the right way