US FederalWhat information must a debt collector provide when they first contact me?
A debt collector must, within five days of first contact, send you a written notice with the amount owed, creditor's name, and your right to dispute the debt.
What the Law Says
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets strict rules for how debt collectors must communicate with consumers — especially at the start of collection efforts.
Under federal law, a debt collector must provide specific information in writing within five days after their initial communication with you — whether that first contact was by phone, mail, or another method.
This written notice — often called the 'validation notice' — must include: (1) the amount of the debt; (2) the name of the creditor; (3) a statement that unless you dispute the debt within 30 days, it will be assumed valid; (4) a statement that if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days, the collector must obtain verification and mail it to you; and (5) a statement that upon your written request within 30 days, the collector must provide the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current one.
The law also prohibits collectors from contacting you before sending this notice — unless the initial contact itself is the written notice.
Statutory TextWithin five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing— (1) the amount of the debt; (2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed; (3) a statement that unless the consumer, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector; (4) a statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector; and (5) a statement that, upon the consumer's written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
— 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a) — Validation of debts
What to Do
Save all communications — including voicemails, texts, emails, and letters — from the collector.
Within 30 days of receiving the validation notice, send a written dispute (certified mail, return receipt requested) if you question the debt’s accuracy or legitimacy.
If you don’t receive the written notice within 5 days of first contact, the collector has violated the FDCPA — you may report it to the CFPB or consult an attorney.
You may also request the original creditor’s name and address in writing — the collector must respond within a reasonable time.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.