We think it is outrageous that debts can go to collection (and ruin consumer's credit reports for years) without a specific notice that gives consumers the chance to at least dispute or resolve the debt first. But unfortunately, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act does not require that advance notice. Instead, they only need to notify you of the debt in writing within five days of additionally contacting you.
We've heard of many situations where consumers disputed a debt, or perhaps were never even notified that they owed a debt, until they heard from a collection agency.