(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:
(1) The amount of the debt;
(2) The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
(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;
(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
(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.
(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.
(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.
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