@Anonymous wrote:
I called what I thought was a collection agency today. Turns out I was right, they were a collection agency. I had to ask several times "what do you do?" and "what is this company?" before the rep told me. She then asked for verification of my date of birth. I refused, as they already have my name and number, and I was just calling to inquire about the alleged collection (I legitimately and not sure what it is, but it's likely a medical doctor bill that I mistakenly thought was covered by insurance). She didn't answer any of my questions and hung up.
My question is this: how much info do u have to verify for them to speak to me? What's the legal minimum? I don't want to give out more info than I have to. I was under the impression that name was enough. I just need their address, the account number, the original creditor, and whether or not it has reported to my bureau. Any advice is appreciated.
There is no "legal minimum". You have to give them enough information for them to be reasonably sure they are speaking with the owner (or aledged owner) of the account. At a minimum this is going to be your full name, address, and date of birth. It is illegal for them to discuss the debt with someone other than the owner of the debt, without express permission, so they DO need to be reasonably sure as to who they are talking to - otherwise they could be sued.
OTOH, you do not need to speak with them on the phone, you can communicate via US Mail.
