A debt collector is required to obtain verification of the debt, or other information such as: (1) a copy of the judgment; (2) name and address of the original creditor. The collector must send the consumer a copy of this information.

The debt collector can obtain verification from the creditor that the amount demanded is the amount owed by the consumer from whom the collector is attempting to collect. If the consumer disputes a certain portion of the debt, or if multiple debts are involved, or if the debt includes interest or fees that have been added, an itemization may be required, which means that the collector needs to list all the amounts being collected, including the original amount due and other fees.