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A debt-collection call or letter about an account you do not recognize can be alarming. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises against ignoring a collector. First, identify who is contacting you and compare the claim with your own account and payment records.
Read the validation notice
A debt collector generally must provide validation information in an initial written communication or within five days after first contact. The notice gives details such as the collector, creditor, account information, amount and an explanation of how to dispute a debt you do not recognize or think is wrong. It should specify the end of the 30-day dispute period. Compare the creditor and amount with your statements; note any fees, interest, payments or credits that do not match.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-information-does-a-debt-collector-have-to-give-me-about-the-debt-en-331/
Dispute in writing if needed
If you believe you already paid, do not owe the debt, or think the amount is wrong, you can write to the collector to dispute all or part of it. The CFPB says a written dispute within 30 days after receiving validation information requires the collector to stop collecting the disputed amount until it provides verification. If the creditor named in the notice differs from the original creditor, you can request that original creditor's name and address in writing within the same period; the CFPB describes a separate pause until that information is provided. A dispute alone does not erase a debt or guarantee a particular outcome.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/
Keep the record
Save all notices, copies of letters you send, evidence of payment, and notes with dates and times of calls. The CFPB suggests certified mail, optionally with a paid return receipt, to document delivery of a dispute. If you already paid, seek proof from the original creditor if you do not have it, and send copies rather than your only originals after confirming the collector is legitimate.
Source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. A lawsuit or another urgent deadline calls for local qualified help promptly.