What is a debt collector and why are they contacting me?

A debt collector is generally a person or company that regularly collects debts owed to others or who has the primary purpose of collecting debts. They’re likely contacting you because they’re trying to reach a person who may owe a specific debt.

Debt collectors can include collection agencies or lawyers who collect debts as part of their business. There are also companies that buy past-due debts from creditors or other businesses and for collection. These companies are also often called debt collection agencies, debt collection companies, or debt buyers. If you don’t believe you owe the debt or believe the amount is wrong, you can dispute it with the debt collector and the credit reporting company, if the debt appears on your credit report. If you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of receiving the required information about the debt from the collector, then the debt collector must send you verification of the debt. You can also ask the debt collector for additional information.

For further information regarding your rights relative to our debt collection claim, please visit the CFPB website at www.cfpb.gov/debt-collection.