MN HF715

Requires notice at least 30 days before commencing a lawsuit or arbitration to collect purchased debt, including the debt owner's contact information, proof of ownership, original creditor name, account number, contract copy, itemized accounting, and a statutory warning about dispute rights and statute of limitations.

Prohibits collection actions during the 30-day notice period, if the debtor disputes the debt in writing until the collector investigates and responds to each dispute reason, or if the statute of limitations has expired.

Requires collectors to attach to the summons and complaint a chain of ownership documentation, the original debt contract with defendant's signature (or affidavit if none exists), and an affidavit stating the last payment date and amount.

Requires default judgment filers to submit authenticated business records, original account number, original creditor, original debt amount, itemized charges and fees, charge-off balance or calculation explanation, postcharge-off additions, last payment date, payment history, and interest basis.

Imposes statutory damages of $2,500 for notice violations and $5,000 for documentation violations, plus actual damages, attorney fees, and $5,000 civil fines for false affidavits; allows declaratory judgments and injunctive relief for violations.