How do I respond to a debt collector calling or writing in Connecticut?
When a debt collector contacts a consumer, federal law gives the consumer a 30-day period to dispute the debt or request verification. During that 30-day window the collector must provide certain information about the debt and, if the consumer timely disputes it in writing, generally must stop collection until it verifies the debt. Connecticut law also restricts what collection agencies may do, including limits on suing on time-barred debts and certain prohibited acts. These rules apply generally to collectors and consumers and do not predict outcomes in any particular situation.
Collectors who purchased a debt must be careful about suing if the statute of limitations has expired, and Connecticut law says a subsequent payment or oral or written affirmation generally will not revive the limitations period. Consumers often use written validation letters or requests that the collector stop contacting them as a practical next step. How a specific collector will respond depends on the facts and applicable law in each case.
Current Connecticut law
Every answer cites the statute
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The deadline that matters
30 days from the collectors mailing or delivery to dispute the debt or request verification under federal law
What Connecticut law says
Under federal law, a debt collector must give consumers information about the debt and the consumer has thirty days after receipt to dispute the debt or request the name and address of the original creditor, and if the consumer timely disputes the collector must cease collection until verification is mailed to the consumer, see 15 U.S.C. § 1692g. Connecticut law limits what consumer collection agencies may do in collection activities, including prohibiting certain deceptive practices and requiring accounting and remittance rules, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-805 and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-805. Connecticut law also provides that a creditor or collection agency that purchased a debt should not initiate suit when it knows or reasonably should know the statute of limitations has expired, and that later payments or affirmations generally do not extend the limitations period, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-814.
What to do
A common first step is to send a written request for validation of the debt within 30 days after receiving the collectors notice.
A common option is to send a written notice asking the collector to cease communication if you want them to stop calling or writing.
A common step is to request in writing the name and address of the original creditor if the collector does not provide it.
A common action is to review whether the debt may be time-barred and keep records of any payments or written communications.
A common step is to keep copies of all letters and notes of phone calls, including dates and who you spoke with.
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Common questions
What happens if I dispute the debt in writing within 30 days?
If you notify the debt collector in writing within 30 days that you dispute the debt or request the name and address of the original creditor, the collector must cease collection of the debt or the disputed portion until it obtains verification or a copy of a judgment and mails that information to you, see 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Can a Connecticut collection agency sue me on an old debt?
Connecticut law says a creditor or collection agency that purchased a debt should not initiate a cause of action when it knows or reasonably should know the applicable statute of limitations has expired, and later payments or affirmations generally will not extend the limitations period, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-814.
Can a collector contact my parent about my student credit card debt?
Under Connecticut law, a credit card issuer cannot take debt collection action against a parent or legal guardian of a student unless the parent or guardian has agreed in writing to be liable under the card agreement, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-648a.
Are there limits on what collection agencies may do in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut law lists prohibited acts by consumer collection agencies, including restrictions on representing legal competence, deceptive practices, billing unauthorized fees, and requirements to account for and remit funds, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-805.
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This page provides legal information about Connecticut law and not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
