PCS Debt Validation & Dispute Handling Flashcards

Under the FDCPA, how many days does a consumer have to request debt validation after receiving the initial notice?

Answer: 30 days

The FDCPA grants consumers 30 days from receipt of the initial validation notice to dispute the debt or request verification.

When a consumer sends a written dispute within the validation period, the debt collector must:

Answer: Cease collection activity until verification is mailed to the consumer

Upon timely written dispute, the collector must stop collection efforts and mail verification or a copy of a judgment before resuming.

Which document typically satisfies a debt validation request for an original credit card debt?

Answer: A copy of the signed credit agreement and account statement

Courts generally hold that a copy of the original signed agreement plus a statement showing the balance constitutes adequate verification.

A consumer disputes a debt in writing AFTER the 30-day validation period. The collector should:

Answer: Continue collection but may not report the debt as undisputed without noting the dispute

Late disputes don't trigger the FDCPA validation obligation, but collectors still cannot falsely represent the debt's status and should note the dispute.

Which of the following is NOT a valid method a consumer may use to submit a debt validation request?

Answer: Verbal request during a collection call

The FDCPA requires a written dispute to trigger the validation obligation; a verbal request during a phone call does not carry the same legal weight.

When verifying a purchased debt, the debt buyer must be able to provide:

Answer: Chain-of-title documentation tracing ownership back to the original creditor

Chain-of-title documents — such as a bill of sale and assignment records — prove the debt buyer legitimately owns the account and has the right to collect.