Debt Validation: Sample Request and Confirm Letter
Debt Validation Letter
You have the right to request validation of the debt. Use our comprehensive Debt Validation Letter Guide to confirm it is genuine and not a scam.
Debt Validation Letter and Your Rights
As a consumer, you have the right to request validation of any debt that a collector claims you owe. This is an essential step to ensure the debt is legitimate and to protect yourself from potential scams or errors.
What is Debt Validation?
Debt validation is the process of requesting and receiving proof from a debt collector that you owe the debt in question. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you are entitled to this information.
Steps to Use the Template Effectively
How to Use This Template
When a debt collector contacts you about a debt, you have the right to request validation of the debt. This letter template will help you formally request that validation. Here’s how to use it:
- Copy the template below
- Fill in your personal information and the debt collector’s details
- Customize any specific details about the debt in question
- Send the letter via certified mail with the return receipt requested within 30 days of the debt collector’s first contact
Sample Letter Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Re: Account Number [XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX]
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your [letter/phone call] on [date of letter or call], (or in response to a phone message left on [date of message]). I do not believe I owe what you say I owe.
I am requesting validation of this debt and I would also like to request the following information:
1. The name and address of the alleged creditor;
2. The amount of the alleged debt;
3. Documentation proving I have a legal obligation to pay this alleged debt;
4. Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in my state;
5. Proof of your legal authority to collect this alleged debt.
This is NOT a request for “verification” or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
I respectfully request that your offices provide me with competent evidence that I have any legal obligation to pay you. At this time I will also inform you that if your offices have or continue to report invalidated information to any of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), this action might constitute fraud under both federal and state laws and I may seek legal counsel.
If your offices are able to provide the proper documentation as requested, I will require 30 days to investigate this information and during such time all collection activity must cease and desist. Also during this validation period, if any action is taken which could be considered detrimental to any of my credit reports, I will consult with legal counsel for suit.
If your offices fail to respond to this validation request within 30 days from the date of your receipt, all references to this account must be deleted and completely removed from my credit file and a copy of such deletion request shall be sent to me immediately.
I would also like to request, in writing, that no further telephone contact be made by your offices to me, my family members, or my employer. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me or any of my family members, including but not limited to my employer, I will file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state] Attorney General’s office. All future communications with me MUST be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter.
This is an attempt to correct your records, any information obtained shall be used for that purpose.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Important Notes:
- Send this letter within 30 days of the debt collector’s first contact with you.
- Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides proof of when the debt collector received your request.
- Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt for your records.
- The debt collector must cease all collection activities until they provide you with the validation you’ve requested.
- If the debt collector cannot validate the debt, they must cease all collection efforts and remove any negative information from your credit reports.
What Happens After You Send the Letter?
- Stop contacting you about the debt until they provide the validation you requested
- Provide you with the requested information or cease all collection efforts
- Remove any information they’ve reported to credit bureaus if they can’t validate the debt
If the debt collector continues to contact you without providing validation, they may be in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). In this case, you may want to consult with a consumer protection attorney or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Record, Review, Respond
Final Steps
After sending this letter, be sure to:
- Keep detailed records of any further communication from the debt collector
- Review any validation information they provide carefully
- If the debt is valid,consider your options for addressing it, such as setting up a payment plan or negotiating a settlement
- If the debt is not valid or the collector can’t provide proper validation, demand that they cease all collection efforts and remove any negative information from your credit reports
Remember, dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, but you have rights under the FDCPA. Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you feel your rights are being violated.