Yes, but it must report the debt as disputed. The FDCPA bars a collector from communicating credit information it knows or should know is false, including failing to say a disputed debt is disputed, and the FCRA requires a similar notice to the credit bureaus.
Disputing a debt does not automatically stop a collector from reporting it. It does change what the collector is allowed to say about it.
The FDCPA rule
Section 1692e(8) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act treats as false or misleading any communication of credit information that the collector knows or should know is false, “including the failure to communicate that a disputed debt is disputed.” Once a collector knows you dispute the debt, reporting it to a credit bureau without a dispute notation can violate the FDCPA.
The FCRA rule
Separately, the FCRA says that if you dispute the completeness or accuracy of information directly with a furnisher, the furnisher may not report it to any credit bureau without noting that it is disputed (15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2(a)(3)).
Validation rights
When a collector first contacts you, it must give you a validation notice describing the debt. If you dispute the debt in writing within the 30-day validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it mails you verification of the debt (15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b)).
What to do
- Send your dispute to the collector in writing and keep proof of mailing.
- State clearly that you dispute the debt and why.
- Check your credit reports afterward to see whether the account now shows as disputed.
- If the information is wrong, also dispute it with the credit bureaus. That triggers the collector’s duty to investigate under 15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2(b), which you can enforce in court.
If a collector reports a debt you disputed without marking it disputed, a free case review can help you evaluate your options, with no fee unless we win.
Related
- Midland Credit Management lawsuit guide
- Portfolio Recovery Associates lawsuit guide
- LVNV Funding lawsuit guide
- Cavalry lawsuit guide
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(8) (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1692g (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2(a)(3) and (b) (Cornell LII)
- FTC: Debt Collection FAQs
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.