Sample Debt Validation Letter
Not every debt collector who contacts you is attempting to collect a legitimate debt. Sometimes debt collectors scam consumers into paying both fictitious debts and debts that have already been paid off.
The Right to Request Validation
Federal law gives you the right to request a debt collector provide proof that you owe a debt. It’s the best way to ensure that you’re not paying a debt you don’t owe or a debt that the collector isn’t authorized to collect on.
The debt validation letter is time sensitive. You must make your request in writing within 30 days of the debt collector’s initial contact with you. If you wait more than 30 days, your validation request may not be covered under debt collection law.
Your rights are not protected if you make your debt validation request over the phone. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say in a letter; there’s one below that you can use as a template.
Once you send a Debt Validation Letter for proof – also called a debt validation letter – the collector must stop collection efforts until they’ve sent sufficient proof of the debt. It means they cannot call you, send you letters, or list the debt on your credit report.
How to Write a Debt Validation Letter (that Works!)
In the letter, you will need to add the date of the initial contact and the method (i.e. “a phone call received from your agency on September 2, 2018.”) You also need to provide a statement that you’re requesting the validation of the debt. You should not admit to owing the debt or agreeing to make a payment at this point. If the debt has passed the statute of limitation and is no longer legally enforceable, making promises to pay or acknowledging the debt is yours may restart the clock.
Send your letter via certified mail, so you have proof of when the letter was mailed and received.
Date
Your Name
Address
City, State Zip
Debt Collector’s Name
Address
City, State Zip
Re: Account Number
This letter is sent in response to [a letter/phone call] received by you on [date you received the letter/call]. I am requesting that you provide validation of this debt.
If you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state here] Attorney General’s office. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.
Sincerely,
Your Name
The Debt Collector’s Response to Your Validation Request
If the debt collector does not send you proof of the debt, any future collection efforts are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Note that your account may be assigned or sold to a new debt collection agency. In that case, your validation request from the previous collection agency does not apply.
Otherwise, if the debt collector does send proof, make sure the debt is not within the statute of limitations, then decide how you want to proceed. Paying the debt, especially if it’s yours, takes care of the obligation for good. You may be able to negotiate a settlement for less than the full balance due. Finally, you can ignore the debt if you have no interest in paying it, but keep in mind that collection efforts can continue indefinitely.