Debt Validation Letter Guide
Force collectors to prove you owe the debt. If they can't validate, they must stop collecting.
Debt collectors must prove you owe the debt if you ask. It's federal law under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Many can't — especially on old debt that's changed hands multiple times.
What Is Debt Validation?
Debt validation is your legal right to demand proof that:
- The debt exists
- You're the person who owes it
- The amount is correct
- The collector has the right to collect it
Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), collectors must provide this information if you request it within 30 days of their first contact.
The 30-Day Rule
⚠️ Critical Timing
Send your validation request within 30 days of the collector's first written contact. After 30 days, you can still request validation, but the collector isn't legally required to stop collection activity while they respond.
Within the 30-day window, the collector must:
- Stop all collection attempts
- Stop reporting to credit bureaus
- Not contact you until they provide validation
What Collectors Must Provide
The FDCPA requires collectors to provide:
- Amount of the debt
- Name of the original creditor
- Statement that you have 30 days to dispute
- Statement that they'll provide verification if disputed
Many consumer advocates recommend requesting more detailed validation:
- Complete payment history
- Original signed agreement (if one exists)
- Proof the collector owns or is authorized to collect the debt
- License to collect in your state
Free Debt Validation Letter Template
📝 Debt Validation Request Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Agency Address]
Re: Account #[XXXXX] (Reference number from their letter)
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in response to your [letter/call] dated [DATE]. I am requesting validation of this debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please provide the following:
1. The amount of the debt and a breakdown of all fees and interest
2. The name of the original creditor
3. Documentation proving I am the person responsible for this debt
4. Copies of any documents proving the debt is valid
5. Your license to collect debt in [YOUR STATE]
6. Proof that you own this debt or are authorized to collect it
Please cease all collection activity until you have provided the requested validation. Be advised that I am aware of my rights under the FDCPA and will document any violations.
This letter is not an acknowledgment of the debt nor a promise to pay.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
How to Send It
- Send via certified mail with return receipt requested — This proves they received it
- Keep a copy for your records
- Note the date sent and date received
- Do not call them — Keep everything in writing
What Happens After You Send It?
Scenario 1: They Validate the Debt
If they provide proper documentation, the debt is likely valid. Your options:
- Negotiate a payment plan or settlement
- Request pay for delete
- Check the statute of limitations in your state
Scenario 2: They Can't Validate (or Don't Respond)
If they fail to validate:
- They must stop collection attempts
- They cannot continue reporting to credit bureaus
- Dispute the account with credit bureaus citing "failure to validate"
- If they continue collecting, they're violating the FDCPA
Scenario 3: They Continue Collecting Anyway
If they violate the FDCPA by continuing collection without validation:
- Document everything
- File a complaint with the CFPB (consumerfinance.gov/complaint)
- File a complaint with your state attorney general
- Consult a consumer rights attorney — FDCPA violations carry $1,000+ statutory damages
Validation vs. Verification vs. Dispute
These are different things:
| Type | Who You Send To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Debt Validation | Debt Collector | Prove the debt exists and you owe it |
| Credit Dispute | Credit Bureaus | Challenge inaccurate reporting |
| Method of Verification | Credit Bureaus | Ask how they verified disputed info |
When Debt Validation Works Best
- Old debt (5+ years) — Documentation often gets lost
- Debt sold multiple times — Chain of custody breaks down
- Debt you don't recognize — Could be fraud or error
- Wrong amounts — Fees and interest may be inflated
- Already paid debt — Force them to prove otherwise
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long — Send within 30 days for full protection
- Calling instead of writing — Phone calls aren't documented
- Acknowledging the debt — Don't say "I'll pay" before validating
- Not using certified mail — You need proof of delivery
- Expecting it to make debt disappear — Many collectors CAN validate
The Bottom Line
Debt validation is a free, legal tool that:
- Forces collectors to prove their case
- Buys you time to assess your options
- Exposes junk debt collectors who can't document old debts
- Costs nothing except postage
Not every debt will fail validation — but enough do (especially old, resold debts) that it's always worth trying first.