Sometimes, people get calls or letters from debt collectors asking them to pay money. This can happen by mistake—especially if you have a common name. You might not recognize the company asking for money, and you might not remember if you owe anything. So what can you do?
Good news! You have the right to ask for proof that the debt is real and that it belongs to you. This is called debt validation.
Debt validation means the company must show you where the debt came from and why they think you owe it. While you can ask for this over the phone, it’s much better to ask in writing.
If a debt collector calls, ask them to send you something in the mail. Then, send them a written request for proof of the debt. Use certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep a copy of everything you send.
You must send your letter within 30 days of the first time they contact you—either by phone or mail.
Once the company gets your letter, they have to:
- Let you know they got it within 5 days, and
- Send you the proof of the debt within 30 days.
They must give you information like:
- A notice saying they are debt collectors
- Their name and address
- The name of the original creditor (if they bought the debt)
- Your account number
- A list showing how much money you owe and why (like interest, fees, etc.)
- Any documents that support the debt
- A notice saying you have 30 days to disagree with the debt
- Instructions on how to dispute the debt
While they are working on your request, they must stop trying to collect the debt.
If you get the proof but still don’t believe the debt is yours, you can send another letter saying you dispute it. Again, you have to do this within 30 days of getting the proof.
If the company proves the debt is real and it’s yours, you can try to make a deal to pay less. If you make a deal, get it in writing and make sure it says the debt will be fully settled.
If you already paid the debt, send them proof. If the debt was erased because of bankruptcy, send them your bankruptcy case number and ask them to stop collecting.
Just remember—you must speak up within 30 days. If you don’t, the company can assume the debt is real and belongs to you.
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collector’s Name]
[Collector’s Address]
[Collector’s City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute and Request for Debt Validation regarding Account # [Account Number]
Dear [Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to a communication I received from your company on [Date of their letter or call] regarding an alleged debt. This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is disputed and validation is requested pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
I am requesting that you provide me with the following information to validate the alleged debt:
- The amount of the debt.
- The name of the original creditor.
- Documentation that proves I have a legal obligation to pay this debt, such as a copy of the original contract or agreement.
- A detailed accounting of the debt, including the original amount, any interest, and any fees that have been added.
- The date the debt became delinquent and verification that the debt is within the statute of limitations.
- The agreement that grants you the authority to collect this debt.
I am requesting that you cease all collection activities, including contacting me by phone or mail, until you provide this validation. If you continue to contact me without providing the requested information, you will be in violation of the FDCPA.
This communication is a request for validation and is not an acknowledgment of this debt.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
________________________________________
I simplified the same as follows:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collector’s Name]
[Collector’s Address]
[Collector’s City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute and Request for Debt Validation regarding Account # [Account Number]
To whom it may concern:
I am writing in response to the communication I received from your company on [Date of their letter or call] via (mail/telephone) regarding an alleged debt. This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is disputed and validation is requested pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
I am requesting that you provide me with validation of the alleged debt, including, but not limited to: (1)The amount of the debt; (2) The name of the original creditor, if different; (3) copies of the Documentation that proves I have a legal obligation to pay this debt; (4) A detailed accounting of the debt; (5) the original default date to verity that the debt is within the statute of limitations; (6) if you are not the original creditor, then provide information pertaining to the assignment of the debt, or what provides you with the legal authority to collect on the debt; and (7) any other information or documentation to support your claim that I owe this debt.
You are to stop all collection activities until you provide adequate validation of this alleged debt.
This communication is a request for validation and is not an acknowledgment of this debt, or a refusal to pay.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
