Understanding Debt Validation
Your right to demand proof before paying any debt
Debt validation is your legal right under the FDCPA to request proof that a debt is legitimate and that the collector has the legal right to collect it. Never pay a debt without validating it first.
What Is Debt Validation?
Debt validation is the process of requiring a debt collector to prove:
- The debt actually exists
- You actually owe the debt
- The amount claimed is accurate
- The collector has legal authority to collect
- The debt is within the statute of limitations
Why You Should Always Validate Debts
Verify Accuracy
Errors are common. The amount may be wrong, or the debt might not even be yours.
Check Statute of Limitations
The debt might be too old to legally collect, making you not obligated to pay.
Confirm Ownership
The collector must prove they own the debt or have authorization to collect it.
Identity Theft Protection
The debt could be fraudulent, opened by someone who stole your identity.
Already Paid
You might have already paid the debt, or it was discharged in bankruptcy.
Legal Protection
Validation stops collection activity and creates documentation trail.
The Validation Notice
Within 5 days of first contacting you, a debt collector must send you a written validation notice containing:
Amount of Debt
The exact amount the collector claims you owe
Creditor Name
The name of the original creditor to whom the debt is owed
30-Day Dispute Period
Statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing
Verification Promise
Statement that if you dispute, they will provide verification
Original Creditor Information
Statement that they'll provide the original creditor's name upon request
How to Request Debt Validation
Act Within 30 Days
You must send your validation request within 30 days of receiving the validation notice. This is critical for maximum protection.
Send Written Request
Always request validation in writing. Phone calls don't count and offer no legal protection.
Use Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. This proves they received your request.
Keep Copies
Keep copies of everything you send and receive. This documentation is crucial if you need to take legal action.
Wait for Response
The collector must pause collection efforts until they provide validation. They cannot call, send letters, or report to credit bureaus.
Debt Validation Letter Template
Basic Validation Request
Use our tool to generate a customized letter:
Sample Letter Structure:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Debt Collector Name]
[Collector Address]
[City, State ZIP]
RE: Account Number [XXXXX]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) to request validation of the debt referenced above.
I am requesting that you provide the following:
- Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in [Your State]
- Validation that this debt is mine and that the amount is accurate
- A copy of the original signed contract or agreement
- Verification that you own this debt or authorization showing you have the right to collect
- Complete payment history and accounting of the amount claimed
- The name and address of the original creditor
Please be advised that I am requesting validation pursuant to my rights under federal law. All collection activities must cease until validation is provided.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
What Happens After You Request Validation?
✓ They Provide Valid Documentation
If the collector provides sufficient proof:
- Review the documentation carefully
- Verify all information is accurate
- Check if the debt is within statute of limitations
- Consider your options: pay, negotiate, or dispute if still inaccurate
⚠️ They Provide Insufficient Documentation
If they only send a printout or statement without proof:
- This is NOT sufficient validation
- Send a follow-up letter stating documentation is insufficient
- Request complete documentation again
- They cannot resume collection without proper validation
✓ They Don't Respond
If they fail to respond:
- They must stop all collection efforts
- They cannot report the debt to credit bureaus
- If already reported, dispute with credit bureaus citing lack of validation
- You may have grounds to sue for FDCPA violation
⛔ They Continue Collection Efforts
If they continue without providing validation:
- This is a clear FDCPA violation
- Document every contact attempt
- File a complaint with CFPB and FTC
- Consider legal action - you may be entitled to damages
Common Collector Tricks to Avoid
🚫 "We don't have to validate"
False. Under the FDCPA, they are legally required to validate upon request.
🚫 "This will hurt your credit"
Scare tactic. Validating a debt is your legal right and does not negatively impact your credit.
🚫 "You're admitting the debt by asking"
False. Requesting validation is not an admission that you owe the debt.
🚫 Sending a computer printout as "validation"
Insufficient. They must provide original documentation and proof of ownership.
�� "Pay something now while we find documents"
Trap. Any payment can restart the statute of limitations and be seen as acknowledging the debt.
🚫 Continuing to call during validation
Illegal. They must cease all collection activity until validation is provided.
Proper Validation Should Include
Key Takeaways
Always validate every debt before paying or acknowledging it
Act within 30 days of receiving the validation notice for full protection
Use certified mail for all correspondence to create a paper trail
Never make payments during the validation process
Collection must stop until proper validation is provided
A computer printout is not sufficient validation documentation
Protect Yourself: Request Validation
Debt validation is your right and your protection. Use it every time a collector contacts you about a debt.
Generate Validation Letter