§ 19-14.9-9 - Validation of debts. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 19-14.9-9

   § 19-14.9-9  Validation of debts. –(1) Within five (5) days after the initial communication with a consumer inconnection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless thefollowing information is contained in the initial communication, or theconsumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing:

   (a) The amount of the debt;

   (b) The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;

   (c) A statement that unless the consumer, within thirty (30)days after receipt of the notice, disputes that validity of the debt, or anyportion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector;

   (d) A statement that if the consumer notifies the debtcollector in writing within the thirty (30) day period that the debt, or anyportion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification ofthe debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of suchverification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector;and

   (e) A statement that, upon the consumer's written requestwithin the thirty (30) day period, the debt collector will provide the consumerwith the name and address of the original creditor, if different from thecurrent creditor.

   (2) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writingwithin the thirty (30) day period described in paragraph (d) of subsection (1)of this section that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that theconsumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debtcollector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof,until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or a copy of ajudgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of suchverification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, ismailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

   (3) The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of adebt under this section shall not be construed by any court as an admission ofliability by the consumer.