Letter · debt validation
Debt-validation request
Asks the collector to verify the debt in writing and to pause collection until it does. Most useful within 30 days of first contact. It is grounded in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g — Validation of debts: Within five days of first contact a debt collector must send written notice of the amount, the creditor, and your right to dispute. If you dispute in writing within 30 days, the collector must stop collection until it mails verification. Basis for the debt-validation letter.
Asks the collector to verify the debt in writing and to pause collection until it does. Most useful within 30 days of first contact.
[Your full name] [Your street address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Collector / creditor name] [Collector address] Re: Account/Reference No. [account / reference number] To Whom It May Concern: I am writing regarding the account referenced above, which you contacted me about. I do not concede that this debt is valid, owed by me, or accurate, and this letter is not an acknowledgment of the debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, I request that you provide written verification of this debt, including: 1. The amount of the debt and an itemized statement of how it was calculated; 2. The name and address of the original creditor; 3. Documentation showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt; and 4. A copy of any signed agreement or contract you contend obligates me to pay. Until you mail the verification described in § 1692g(b), I request that you cease collection of this debt. Please direct all further communication regarding this matter to me in writing at the address above. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, [Your full name]
What this letter is grounded in
Tip: send by mail and keep a copy. For the debt-validation letter, certified mail with return receipt creates a dated record. None of your input here is sent to us.