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Debts and Credit
Can a debt collector report me to credit bureaus without a contract?

Can a debt collector report me to credit bureaus without a contract?

Q: Can I dispute debt if original creditor sold?

Yes, you can dispute a debt regardless of whether the original creditor sold it. You should send a written dispute to the debt collector, explaining why you believe the debt is incorrect. The collector must investigate your dispute and cannot report the debt to credit bureaus until the investigation is complete.

Q: What are two things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

Debt collectors cannot harass you or use abusive language when attempting to collect a debt. They are also prohibited from contacting you at inconvenient times, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree to it. These protections are outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692).

Full question:

If I don't have a contractual agreement with a debt collection company,representing an original creditor, and I inform them that I don't want to do business with them, do they then have a legal right to report me to the credit bureaus? I want to deal directly with the original creditor.

Category: Debts and Credit
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Illinois

Answer:

The collection company acts as an agent for the creditor unless they purchased the debt, in which case they act on their own behalf. As an agent, they have the right to report to credit bureaus on behalf of the creditor.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can you dispute a debt if a creditor sells it?

Yes, you can dispute a debt even if it has been sold to a collection agency. You should inform the new creditor or collector about your dispute in writing. They are required to investigate your claim and cannot report the debt to credit bureaus until the dispute is resolved. If the debt is found to be valid, they may proceed with collection efforts.

Can I dispute debt if original creditor sold?

What are two things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

How do I remove debt that has been sold?

To remove a debt that has been sold, you can dispute it with the debt collector if you believe it is inaccurate. Provide documentation to support your claim. If the debt is valid but you want to settle it, negotiate a payment plan or settlement with the collector. Once paid, request a 'pay for delete' agreement to have the debt removed from your credit report.

Does a debt collector have to provide the original contract?

A debt collector is not required to provide the original contract unless you request verification of the debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), you have the right to request this information within 30 days of their initial contact. They must then provide proof of the debt, which may include the original agreement.