I accrued $420 in medical bills in August-September 2004, which have now been sent to a collection agency, IMBS Inc. The letter I received from IMBS stating that they had been hired by the health care provider to collect on this debt was dated January 5th, 2005. According to the letter, I have 30 days to ask for validation of this debt, which I already know is my right. Less then two weeks has passed, and lo and behold! IMBS called my house two times tonight, once at 8:00 pm and another time at 8:30 pm, both times leaving an automated message stating the name of the company and their phone number. Are they legally allowed to do this (attempt to contact me in anyway) before the 30 days has elapsed? I mean, I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to send a validation letter (the debt is mine after all), but this action of theirs gives me pause. I'm interested to know if this was an illegal action on their part and if it amounts to anything, like maybe I can get them on a technicality and not have to pay this, I don't know. If anyone has some advice or suggestions about where I should go from here, or if I should pursue this, I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much.
They are allowed to pursue collection attempts, they could even sue you if they wanted to - until they receive a letter from you stating that you dispute the debt. Before 30 days has passed they cannot assume anything about the status of this debt, after 30 days they can assume the debt is valid, but it does not prevent them from trying to colelct on the debt at any time until they receive your dispute
