Expert Opinion

Dear Jan,

Absolutely! The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act specifically states that if you request a breakdown of your account that has been placed with a collection agency, they legally must provide you with this.

One of the reasons is that unfortunately, fake collection agencies will make up debts and try to scam people into paying them. Another is for your situation. Most states will not allow a collection agency to arbitrarily add fees, unless it is originally stated in the contract with the original creditor, or they do not go above and beyond a reasonable amount.

I would definitely contact the collection agency and if they give you any issues, send a certified letter with this information:

§ 1692f. Unfair practices: (1) The collection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge, or expense incidental to the principal obligation) unless such amount is expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law.

Do YOU have a question for Melissa Douros? Email at melissa@dovcocs.com.

As the owner of Dovco Collection Solutions, Inc., Melissa Douros uses her eight years of being a collections specialist to offer advice and answer questions pertaining to debt collection. With running her own successful collection agency, she seeks to keep debt collectors accountable for their actions and in line with the law.

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