Can I Ask for Proof of a Bill From a Collection Agency?

You may have received a phone call or letter about a debt you know nothing about. Before sending a penny to an entity claiming to be a debt collection agency, you should ensure the debt and agency are legitimate. If you suspect fraud, gather as much information as you can about the collection agency and contact your state's Attorney General's office, which you can locate by visiting the National Association of Attorneys General website.

Debt Collection Scams

Reports of scams in the debt collection industry are fairly common. Unscrupulous individuals posing as debt collectors may obtain your personal information, including your credit history, and attempt to contact you. In some cases, individuals attempt to collect debts you've already repaid, or simply invent a debt that doesn't exist. Whenever you are contacted by a debt collector, it is important that you take steps to obtain the necessary proof.

Obtaining Proof

A debt collector or impersonator often attempts to contact you by telephone. If this happens, be sure to get as much information as possible. The collector may introduce himself only as "Mr. Jones," or "Inspector Davis," without giving the name of the firm he represents. Ask for the individual's full name and company name, as well as his business address, telephone number and the name of his supervisor. Also ask the individual to send you information about the original creditor and the amount owed in writing. Even if you suspect the debt is legitimate, don't acknowledge you owe it until you verify the information.

Verification

While you're waiting for the debt collector's correspondence, obtain copies of your credit reports to determine whether the debt appears on the report. You are entitled to receive one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- and you can obtain that free report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. If the debt appears to be valid, verify the legitimacy of the collection agency. A legitimate agency will be licensed by the collection agency licensing boards of your state and its alleged home state of operation.

Red Flags

There are a number of red flags that indicate the debt collector is not legitimate. These can include the individual's lack of cooperation in providing you the information you request or the failure to send you written proof of the debt in a timely manner. If your phone contains a Caller ID feature, call the number after hanging up with the collector and ask to speak to the individual. If it seems your call is being screened or the "company's" voice mail system seems unprofessional, it may not be a legitimate agency.