They Say I Owe Something I Don't
Wrong amount, wrong person, already paid, or outright fraud. The FDCPA treats each of these as a violation — and the collector pays the damages.
Common dispute scenarios
- • Balance is higher than what you actually owe
- • Fees, interest, or charges added that aren't in the original contract
- • Debt was already paid or settled with the original creditor
- • Debt is not yours — identity theft, mistaken identity, or confusion with a relative
- • Debt was discharged in bankruptcy
- • Debt is past the statute of limitations but being represented as currently due
Why this matters under the FDCPA
FDCPA §1692e prohibits "false, deceptive, or misleading" representations in the collection of a debt. Claiming a debt balance is higher than it is, or attempting to collect a debt that isn't yours, triggers statutory damages up to $1,000 per case plus actual damages and attorney fees.
Possible next steps
1. Written dispute, certified mail
Forces the collector to pause and verify. Continued collection after a dispute is its own violation.
2. Demand for full accounting
Original contract, every charge, every payment. If the math doesn't match their claim, we have a case.
3. Ask a consumer-rights lawyer about an FDCPA claim
A lawyer licensed in your state can assess whether the facts support a claim, what deadlines apply, and how fees would work.
The Number They Claim Isn't Right?
We accept inquiries nationwide. Eligible California matters may qualify for limited creditor outreach; court work and out-of-state matters may need independent local counsel.