Does a collection agency have to contact you first before adding anything to your credit report?

Although this gets tricky I argued in my complaint against a CA that the first communication I received was when I pulled my credit report and saw the item listed there. As such, they failed to notify me in the initial communication or within 5 days of same of my rights under the FDCPA. I went on to give the FDCPA definition of "communication" which was basically transmitting the information through any means, etc. Others have disagreed with me on this, but I think it would have played out nicely if they hadn't settled.


L

I think in Cal they have to give you 30 days notice.