Generally, legitimate debt collectors will ask questions to verify your identity. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) It is always your choice whether to provide any information to a debt collector, even a legitimate one, including whether to verify your identity.

Do you have to tell collection agency where you work?

Debt collectors can call you at work. But, if you’d rather they don’t, you can tell them not to and they have to stop. If a debt collector calls you at work and your boss picks up, the debt collector isn’t allowed to call your office again unless your boss gives them permission to do so.

Can a collection agency contact your work?

A [collection agency] may contact a debtor’s employer on one occasion only and then only for the purpose of confirming the debtor’s employment, business title and business address, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the debtor.

What do I need to know about a collection agency?

Collection agencies collect unpaid debts or locate debtors for others. A collection agency or collector must: use the name that is shown on their licence in all contacts and correspondence related to their collection activities provide you with information about the original creditor and current creditor of the debt and any details of the debt

Is there a right to refuse information to a collection agency?

Many people do not realize they have the right to refuse information to a collection agency. There are also several other rights that you have when dealing with debt collection calls. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was passed in 1977. It protects all consumers from unethical debt collection practices.

What should I do if I receive a collection notice?

Even if you come to realization that the debt is valid and you owe the money, you should NEVER pay the debt collector on a first contact. Instead, immediately contact the billing department of the original creditor as identified by the collection agency.

Is it possible to get scammed by a collection agency?

You would do well to be suspicious of any telephone calls from collection agencies, even when you feel you actually owe the debt. It is not impossible for a fraudster to get ahold of your credit information and call you about a debt that seems likely to go to collections soon (or already has).