Under the debt collection rule, collectors must give you validation information, generally in a written notice sent as the first communication or within five days of it, by mail or electronically. The CFPB says the notice generally must include: a statement that the communication is from a debt collector; your name and address and the collector’s; the creditor’s name (possibly more than one); the account number, if any; an itemization of the current debt reflecting interest, fees, payments and credits since a given date; the current amount; information for replying if you think the debt is not yours or the amount is wrong; and an end date for a 30-day dispute period.
Once you receive it, you have 30 days to dispute in writing. The CFPB says failing to request verification in writing, or doing it late, can affect your ability to assert your rights under the rule. If you send a written verification request, or ask for information about the original creditor, within the 30 days, the collector must pause collecting the disputed amount until it has adequately responded.
If you think a collector failed to provide the required information, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.