How to Find Out if a Bill Collector Is Legitimate
- 1). Ask for complete information about the bill collector, including the name of the representative, the name of the business, company license number, website, main phone number, address of the business and the name of the creditor that the agency represents. Verify the amount of debt and the account number associated with the debt. Do not provide any personal information until after you have checked the company's registered status and reputation.
- 2). Call the collection agency's main phone line after hanging up with the representative. Verify the information you received from the first caller regarding the company's status and contact information.
- 3). Call the department of consumer affairs in the city or state where the collection agency maintains its offices. This department should have records verifying the company's business license, complaints and other details to verify the agency's legitimacy.
- 4). Review Better Business Bureau records for the bill collection agency. The BBB includes a rating grade, which may give you an idea of the company's reputation.
- 5). Call the original creditor to ask if the company is familiar with this bill collection agency. If the original creditor referred the agency, request the full contact information that the creditor has on file for the company to check against your notes.
- 6). Ask the creditor to put details regarding the debt in writing (called a debt validation) and mail the information to the address they have on file. Compare that written notice with your records before responding to the agent with a negotiation or challenge to the debt.
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