Sarasota, FL asked in Collections for Florida

Q: If a debt collector cannot provide an itemization of where they are getting their figures from, do they have a case?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers

A: Yes. But they may lose the case at trial if they cannot prove their claim.

Charles M. Baron and Terrence H Thorgaard agree with this answer

A: The phrase "an itemization of where they are getting their figures from" apparently means the amount owed. This is normally proved with periodic statements sent to the debtor. They also must be able to prove that they bought the debt from the original creditor and that they notified the debtor that they bought the claim.

Charles M. Baron agrees with this answer

A: Do you mean, "Can they file a case against me?" or instead, "Can they prove their case in court?" If the former, yes, anyone can file suit whether they have a strong case, weak case, or even a frivolous case. For any of those categories, a lawyer can advise how the matter should be handled. Whether they can prove their case in court is an issue that you won't be able to obtain an online answer for. They may or may not need to itemize, depending on a number of factors. In the scenario of an undisputed statement of account, the creditor might be able to successfully sue the debtor for "Account Stated" without itemizing, even if they would have had to itemize had the statement been timely disputed. Also, if the plaintiff bought the debt from the original creditor, it will have to prove certain facts, as Mr. Thorgaard pointed out in his answer.

Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.