Debt Dispute Rights Violation

Summary

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from unfair practices by collection agencies. In Idaho, you have the right to dispute a debt, and the agency must provide verification if disputed within 30 days. Disputes can be oral or written, but written disputes are recommended for proof. Verification can include an itemized bill detailing services and charges. Violations of FDCPA by a collection agency do not erase the debt but could lead to penalties against the agency and provide leverage in negotiations. Consulting a consumer rights lawyer is advisable for clarity and legal options.

Full Conversation

curious if a collections agency has violated personal rights by denying a dispute of a medical bill
Certainly, I'd be happy to guide you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from unfair practices by collection agencies. In Idaho:
*. You have the right to dispute a debt.
*. A debt collector must provide verification if a debt is disputed within 30 days of the first contact.
*. Ignoring a dispute might be considered a violation.
Can you tell me more about how they denied your dispute?
so my girlfriend has the medical debt. We contacted an advocate to help us get the bill negotiated down. The advocate suggested that we contact the collections agency and dispute the bill. She gave all the words to say. When my girlfriend did that, the collections agent said no, multiple times. After speaking with our advocate, who said that what the collections agent did was illegal, recommended that we reach out to a lawyer.
If the collection agency is denying your dispute and not providing verification of the debt, that could potentially be a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You might want to consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in consumer rights.
does the dispute have to be in writing? It doesn't seem so, but i do not know
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
*. Disputes can be made either orally or in writing.
*. However, written disputes are recommended, as they provide proof of the dispute.
*. The collection agency must cease collection activities until they provide verification of the debt if the dispute was in writing.
what does that verification look like?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
*. Debt verification could include a copy of a judgment or an invoice.
*. It should include the amount owed and the creditor's name.
*. Not providing this after a written dispute may be a violation.
an itemized bill is not verification, or is it?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
*. An itemized bill can serve as a form of verification.
*. It should detail the services rendered, charges, and the creditor's name.
*. However, the specific requirements for verification may vary, consulting with a consumer rights lawyer could provide clarity.
if a collections agency does in fact violate our rights, does that have any impact on the bill itself?
If a collections agency violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
*. It doesn't necessarily erase the debt.
*. It could potentially lead to penalties against the agency.
*. It might provide leverage in negotiating the debt.
*. Legal advice is recommended to understand your options.