Debt Collector Refuses to Provide Debt Validation Letter : personalfinance

Hello All! I’ve learn the stickiess through the years a pair instances, however I am undecided my scenario is roofed so I am questioning if there’s any recommendation.

A bit of over a yr in the past I seen that my identification was used to lease some residences in Florida. I instantly adopted all the standard recommendation (police report, credit score freeze, fraud discover, and many others). It appeared as if the person was utilizing my identification to take out leases on residences in fascinating areas, then airbnb them out till they have been evicted. I received that entire scenario cleared up and resolved.

Now quick ahead to final week I seen a brand new collections for round $40k on my credit score at TransUnion. The debt collector is “Essex Property Belief” and the unique creditor is “Wallace on Sundown”. It seems to be like that is an in home collector and Essex Property Belief could personal some residence buildings together with “Wallace on Sundown” in Los Angeles, CA. For over a yr my credit score has been frozen with all 3 main CRAs and likewise had a fraud discover.

Now on my TransUnion credit score report it says that that the account was initially positioned on my credit score report in December of 2022, however the first I seen it was final week. Nobody from Essex Property Belief or Wallace on Sundown has ever contacted me by way of any channel. I’ve been reaching out to them this week many instances to try to get extra info. They appear to be reluctant to speak with me, however I’ve been in a position to get 2 cellphone calls and a pair emails. In every they refuse to offer me any info. Together with a debt validation letter, which I’ve requested through e-mail. Their stance is actually take it up with TransUnion.

I plan to dispute the debt with TransUnion, however so as to take action I wish to have any details about the debt so I can take advantage of convincing case that that is identification theft. I’ve filed a brand new police report already outlining this new case of fraud (the detective on my earlier identification theft case mentioned it is not require, however no purpose I am unable to do it.) I can even ship the letter in writing asking them to offer a debt validation letter. At which level I plan to dispute the debt and request extra info.

tldr: received a group because of identification theft on my credit score report, collector refuses to offer any info

A few questions, however any recommendation is appreciated.

What’s my finest plan of action right here?
Are collectors legally allowed to refuse to offer a Debt Validation Letter?
How am I imagined to provoke a dispute with the creditor if they don’t present a debt validation letter or contact me? I’ve solely spoken with folks that appear to work within the leasing workplace on the residence constructing, however nobody from Essex Property Belief’s collections arm.