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(a) At the time of the initial communication or within five (5) days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of a debt, unless the consumer has paid the debt, a debt collector shall send the consumer a written notice containing:
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(1) The amount of the debt;
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(2) The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
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(3) A statement that unless the consumer within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice disputes the validity of the debt or a portion of the debt, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector;
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(4) A statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt or a portion of the debt is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of the verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector; and
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(5) A statement that upon the consumer’s written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor.
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(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) of this section that the debt or a portion of the debt is disputed or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt or a disputed portion of the debt until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of the verification or judgment or name and address of the original creditor is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.
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(c) The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section is not an admission of liability by the consumer.
