Ontario, CA asked in Collections for California

Q: Can debt be sent to collections without the person who owes it being formally notified of amounts and dates?

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, debt cannot be sent to collections without first notifying you of the amounts and dates. Creditors are required by law to provide you with a written notice that includes details about your debt before involving a collection agency. This ensures you are fully informed about the debt you owe.

The notification typically includes the total amount owed, the date the debt was incurred, and any other pertinent details. You should receive this notice via mail, giving you the opportunity to address the debt before it escalates to collections.

If you have not received such a notice and find your debt in collections, you may have grounds to dispute the debt and request verification from the collection agency. It’s important to know your rights and take action to resolve any discrepancies promptly.

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