DEBT COLLECTORS SAY YOU OWE — Don’t Pay Until They Prove It
When a debt collector calls, it can feel like you’re already guilty
But before you agree to anything—or worse, send money—you need to know this:
You have the legal right to dispute a debt.
At R23 Law, our California Debt Collection Defense Lawyers regularly protect clients from deceptive collection tactics. Debt collectors count on your fear, your silence, or your lack of legal knowledge. We count on the law. And we make them follow it.
What Debt Collectors Don’t Want You to Know
Debt buyers often purchase old debts for pennies on the dollar, then use high-pressure tactics to collect the full amount. They may shame you, threaten lawsuits, or offer “settlements” that sound too good to be true.
But unless they can prove the debt is:
Yours,
Still legally collectible, and
Accurately reported,
They may have no legal standing to collect at all.
Top Reasons to Dispute a Debt
Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys strongly recommend disputing any debt you're unsure about. Here's why:
If They Can’t Verify It, You Don’t Owe It
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors must send written validation of the debt within 5 days of first contact. This includes:
The amount
The original creditor
Your rights to dispute it
If they can’t provide that, or if any detail is off, you have 30 days to dispute it in writing.
If It’s Too Old, They Can’t Collect It
Many debts become “time-barred” after 4 years in California. Collectors can’t sue you for these expired debts—but beware: even a small payment may restart the clock. Never pay or promise anything until the debt is verified.
A Dispute Can Protect Your Credit
Once a debt is formally disputed, collectors are legally required to inform credit bureaus that it’s under dispute. That can stop collection activity and protect your credit report from further damage.
Why Disputing Matters
Disputing a debt doesn’t mean you’re dodging responsibility—it means you’re demanding proof. Given how often debt changes hands, important records are lost, misfiled, or never transferred. When that happens, collectors may not be able to legally enforce the debt at all.
At R23 Law, we use federal and California consumer protection laws to make sure that collectors follow every rule. If they don’t? We fight to get the debt erased—and seek damages on your behalf.
What to Do if a Debt Collector Crosses the Line
If a collector is:
Harassing you
Threatening legal action without proof
Calling your family or workplace
Refusing to verify the debt
You may be entitled to statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and relief from the debt itself under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act.
Let R23 Law Review the Debt—At No Cost to You
You don't need to fight this alone. Whether you're unsure about the debt or know it's invalid, our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys will review your case, dispute invalid claims, and stop unlawful collection efforts.
📞 Contact us online to speak with an attorney today. The consultation is free—and the peace of mind is worth it.
