Receiving a debt collection notice can be stressful. Before you pay anything, it’s crucial to verify that the debt is legitimate. A debt validation letter is your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This letter formally requests the debt collector to provide proof that you owe the debt and that they are legally authorized to collect it. Sending this letter is the first step in protecting yourself from errors, fraud, and incorrect debt claims. We provide you with 5 easy to use samples below.
The FDCPA grants you 30 days from the *initial* communication from a debt collector to request validation. Prompt action is key. If the debt collector fails to provide adequate validation, they must cease collection efforts until they do. Even if you think you owe the debt, requesting validation ensures the debt is accurately reported and that you’re not paying more than you should. The letter should be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested to document that the collector received it.
A well-crafted debt validation letter should include specific information. This includes your name and address, the debt collector’s name and address, the account number (if available), and a clear statement requesting validation of the debt. You should also state that you are requesting proof that the debt is yours, the amount is accurate, and the debt collector is authorized to collect it. Do not acknowledge the debt or make any promises to pay.
The provided examples below offer various templates you can adapt to your specific situation. Remember to keep a copy of the letter you send, along with the certified mail receipt, for your records. This documentation will be invaluable if the debt collector continues to pursue the debt without providing adequate validation or if you need to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Debt Validation Letter Samples
Sample Letter 1: Basic Validation Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[Debt Collector’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Debt Validation
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your notice dated [Date of Debt Collector’s Notice] regarding account number [Account Number, if known]. This letter is a formal request for validation of the alleged debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please provide the following:
1. Verification that the debt is mine.
2. The name and address of the original creditor.
3. An itemized accounting of the amount claimed, including principal, interest, fees, and other charges.
4. A copy of the original contract or other documentation that created the debt.
5. Proof that you are licensed to collect debt in my state.
Until you provide this validation, I request that you cease all collection efforts. Please be aware that failure to provide adequate validation will be viewed as a violation of the FDCPA. I am keeping a copy of this letter for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Dispute and Validation Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[Debt Collector’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Formal Dispute and Request for Debt Validation
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
This letter is to formally dispute the alleged debt referenced in your communication dated [Date of Debt Collector’s Notice] regarding account number [Account Number, if known]. I do not believe I owe this debt.
Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I request complete validation of this alleged debt. Please provide the following:
1. Evidence that I am legally obligated to pay this debt, including a copy of the original contract with my signature.
2. The name and address of the original creditor.
3. A complete payment history for this account.
4. Proof that you are authorized to collect this debt.
Failure to provide this validation within 30 days will be considered a violation of the FDCPA, and I will pursue all available legal remedies. I am requesting all further communication be sent to me in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Validation Request with Cease Communication (if desired)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[Debt Collector’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Debt Validation and Cease Communication
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your recent communication regarding account number [Account Number, if known]. I hereby request validation of this alleged debt as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
In addition to validation, I am also requesting that you cease all further communication with me regarding this alleged debt, unless it is to provide the requested validation information. Please provide the following:
1. Verification of the validity of this debt, including documentation showing I am legally obligated to pay it.
2. The name and address of the original creditor.
3. Documentation of all payments and charges applied to this account.
Failure to provide adequate validation or a continuation of communication may result in reporting this issue to the appropriate authorities.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Third-Party Debt Validation Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[Debt Collector’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Third-Party Debt Validation Request – Account Number [Account Number, if known]
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I received your notice regarding an alleged debt for account number [Account Number, if known]. As a third party attempting to collect this debt, I am requesting validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Please provide the following documentation:
1. A copy of the agreement or contract between the original creditor and myself that establishes the debt.
2. Documentation showing you have the legal right to collect this debt on behalf of the original creditor.
3. A detailed accounting of the debt, including the original principal, interest, fees, and any other charges.
4. The original creditor’s name, address, and contact information.
Until I receive complete validation, I will not acknowledge this debt, and I request that you cease all collection attempts. I will consider further action if validation is not provided.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Validation request using Limited contact
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector’s Name]
[Debt Collector’s Address]
[Debt Collector’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Debt Validation
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your notice dated [Date of Debt Collector’s Notice] regarding account number [Account Number, if known]. This letter is a formal request for validation of the alleged debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g. I am only allowing contact by mail.
Please provide the following:
1. Verification that the debt is mine.
2. The name and address of the original creditor.
3. An itemized accounting of the amount claimed, including principal, interest, fees, and other charges.
4. A copy of the original contract or other documentation that created the debt.
5. Proof that you are licensed to collect debt in my state.
Until you provide this validation, I request that you cease all collection efforts. Please be aware that failure to provide adequate validation will be viewed as a violation of the FDCPA. I am keeping a copy of this letter for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
Using these debt validation letter samples provides a solid starting point for asserting your rights. Remember to personalize each letter to your specific circumstances, send it via certified mail, and keep copies of all correspondence. Proactively requesting debt validation empowers you to challenge potentially inaccurate or fraudulent debt collection attempts, safeguard your financial well-being, and ensure compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you encounter difficulties or believe your rights have been violated.
