Requesting Debt ValidationA Step-by-Step Guide to Your Rights

What is Debt Validation?

Debt validation is your right under the FDCPA to ask a debt collector to prove that you actually owe the debt they are trying to collect and that they have the legal right to collect it from you.

When you request validation, the collector must typically provide specific information, such as:

• The amount of the debt.
• The name of the creditor to whom the debt is currently owed.
• Verification that they own the debt or have the authority to collect it.
• Information about the original creditor (if different).
• Documentation proving the debt is yours (like a copy of the original signed contract or account statements).

Crucially, once you send a validation request (within 30 days of their initial contact), the collector must cease all collection efforts until they provide you with the requested validation.

Why Request Debt Validation?

Requesting validation is important for several reasons:

• Verify Accuracy: Debts get bought and sold, and mistakes happen. Validation helps ensure you're not being asked to pay a debt that isn't yours, has an incorrect amount, or has already been paid.
• Confirm Collector's Rights: It forces the collector to prove they legally own the debt or are authorized to collect it. Sometimes, they lack proper documentation.
• Check Age of Debt (Statute of Limitations): Validation documents might help determine if the debt is too old to be legally pursued in court (past the statute of limitations in your state). Note: Paying on old debt can sometimes restart the clock.
• Stop Collection Calls (Temporarily): It provides temporary relief from collection attempts while the collector gathers proof.
• Identify Scams: Legitimate collectors should be able to provide validation. If they can't or won't, it could be a red flag for a scam.

How to Request Debt Validation: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Act Quickly: You generally have 30 days from the collector's initial communication (often a letter) to send your validation request to trigger the requirement that they pause collection efforts. You can still request validation after 30 days, but they aren't legally required to stop collecting while they respond.
2. Write a Formal Letter: Do not rely on phone calls. Put your request in writing. State clearly that you are disputing the debt and requesting validation under the FDCPA.

   Use our Tool: We provide a template specifically for this purpose in our Letter Generator (select "Collection Validation Request").

3. Include Key Information: Mention your name, address, the debt collector's name, the account number or reference number they provided, and the amount they claim you owe (if known). State clearly you dispute the debt and request validation. Do NOT admit you owe the debt in this letter.
4. Send via Certified Mail: Mail your letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This provides proof that the collector received your request and the date they received it. Keep copies of the letter, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt card when it comes back.
5. Wait for Response: The collector should stop collection activities (like calls or reporting to bureaus *as disputed*) until they mail you the validation documents.

What Happens After You Request Validation?

One of several things might happen:

• Collector Provides Validation: They send documents proving the debt amount, original creditor, and their right to collect. Review these carefully. If they appear valid, you'll need to decide how to handle the debt (payment plan, settlement offer, etc.). If you still believe there are errors, you may need to dispute further or seek legal advice.
• Collector Does Not Provide Validation: If they cannot validate the debt, they are legally obligated to stop collection efforts. They should not continue contacting you or reporting the debt (or should report it as disputed if they already have). If they continue collection without providing validation, they are violating the FDCPA.
• Collector Sells the Debt: Sometimes, rather than validate, a collector might sell the debt to another agency. The new agency would then have to start the process over, including providing their own initial notice, giving you another 30-day window to request validation from *them*.
• Collector Ignores Request & Continues Collecting: This is an FDCPA violation. You can report them to the CFPB and your state Attorney General, and potentially consult with a consumer protection attorney.