If you’ve received a debt collection notice that seems unfamiliar or potentially inaccurate, a debt verification letter is your first line of defense. This crucial document formally requests the debt collector to provide proof that the debt is valid and legally enforceable. It ensures you’re not paying for something you don’t owe or that’s beyond the statute of limitations. Sending a debt verification letter within 30 days of receiving the initial collection notice is vital, as it triggers certain rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The FDCPA grants you the right to request verification of a debt. This means the debt collector must provide evidence supporting the debt’s validity. This evidence typically includes the original creditor’s name, the account number, the date the debt was incurred, and documentation demonstrating you are responsible for the debt. By requesting verification, you can force the debt collector to substantiate their claim, protecting yourself from potential scams and ensuring you only pay legitimate debts.
Using a sample debt verification letter can save you time and ensure you include all the necessary information. Below, you’ll find a collection of templates tailored to different scenarios. Remember to customize each letter with your personal information, the debt collector’s details, and specific details about the debt in question. Be sure to send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested, providing proof of delivery and adding an extra layer of protection.
These samples provide a solid foundation, but consulting with a legal professional is advisable if you face aggressive debt collection practices or believe the debt is fraudulent. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation and ensure your rights are fully protected. Always keep copies of all correspondence related to the debt for your records.
16 Sample Debt Verification Letters
Sample Letter 1: Basic Debt Verification 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 Verification
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to you in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting validation of this alleged debt.
Pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I request that you provide the following information:
1. The name of the original creditor.
2. The account number with the original creditor.
3. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
4. Documentation showing I am responsible for this debt.
Please cease all collection activity until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Debt Verification Request – Not My Debt
[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: Debt Verification Request – Not My Debt
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to you in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I do not believe I owe this debt and request full verification.
I believe this debt may be the result of identity theft or a clerical error. Please provide the following:
1. The original contract with my signature.
2. Proof of my current address matching the address on the original account.
3. Documentation showing how you determined I am responsible for this specific debt.
I request that you immediately cease all collection activity related to this debt until verification is provided. I also request that you notify the credit reporting agencies that this debt is in dispute.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Debt Verification Request – Statute of Limitations
[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: Debt Verification Request – Potential Statute of Limitations Issue
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting verification of this alleged debt and question whether it is still legally enforceable.
Please provide the following:
1. The date of last activity on this account (last payment, acknowledgment of the debt, etc.).
2. Documentation confirming the applicable statute of limitations in my state ([Your State]).
3. Proof that the debt is still within the statute of limitations.
If this debt is beyond the statute of limitations, I demand that you cease all collection efforts immediately. Please provide the requested information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Demanding contact cease
[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: Demanding contact cease
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting that your cease all contact. I do not want to be contacted.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Request for Validation of Debt and Cease Communication
[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 Validation of Debt and Cease Communication
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your communication dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I hereby request validation of this alleged debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Specifically, I request that you provide me with the following information:
1. The name and address of the original creditor.
2. A copy of the original contract or agreement between me and the original creditor that created the debt.
3. Documentation demonstrating that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
4. A complete payment history for this account.
Furthermore, I am requesting that you cease all further communication with me regarding this debt until you have provided the requested validation. This includes, but is not limited to, phone calls, letters, and any other form of contact.
Please provide the requested information within 30 days of the date of this letter. Failure to do so will be interpreted as your inability to validate the debt, and I will consider the matter closed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Dispute Debt and Request Validation Due to Identity Theft
[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: Dispute Debt and Request Validation Due to Identity Theft
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt referenced in your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I believe that this debt is the result of identity theft and is not my responsibility.
I have filed a police report regarding this matter, and a copy is attached for your reference. I also request that you cease all communication with me regarding this debt until you have conducted a thorough investigation.
Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I request that you provide me with the following information to validate the debt:
1. The name and address of the original creditor.
2. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt, including my signature.
3. Documentation verifying that I authorized the charges on this account.
If you are unable to provide the requested validation, I demand that you cease all collection efforts immediately and remove any negative information related to this debt from my credit report.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Request Account Details and Validation of Debt
[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 Account Details and Validation of Debt
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I would like to request more detailed information about this account and to validate the debt you claim I owe.
Please provide me with the following:
1. A detailed statement of account, including all charges, payments, and credits applied.
2. The name and contact information for the original creditor.
3. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
4. Documentation demonstrating your legal right to collect this debt.
Until I receive the requested information and have had an opportunity to review it, I will not be making any payments on this account. I expect a response within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Notify Debt Collector to Cease Contact After 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 to Cease Contact After Validation Request
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I have previously requested validation of this debt in a letter dated [Date of Validation Request].
I am now formally requesting that you cease all further contact with me regarding this debt until you have provided the requested validation. This includes phone calls, letters, and any other form of communication.
If you fail to provide the requested validation within the required timeframe, I will consider the debt invalid and will take further legal action if necessary.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Request Debt Verification and Dispute Incorrect Balance
[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 Debt Verification and Dispute Incorrect Balance
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to you in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting validation of this alleged debt. I also believe the current balance you claim I owe is incorrect.
Pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I request that you provide the following information:
1. The name of the original creditor.
2. The account number with the original creditor.
3. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
4. Documentation showing all payments and credits applied to this account.
5. An explanation of how the current balance was calculated.
Please cease all collection activity until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Request Investigation and Dispute of Debt Listed in Credit Report
[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 Investigation and Dispute of Debt Listed in Credit Report
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to dispute a debt listed on my credit report under your company’s name. The account number is [Account Number], and I believe the information reported is inaccurate.
I request that you conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and provide me with the following documentation to validate the debt:
1. The name and address of the original creditor.
2. A copy of the original contract or agreement between me and the original creditor that created the debt.
3. Documentation demonstrating that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
4. A complete payment history for this account.
If you are unable to provide the requested validation, I demand that you remove this debt from my credit report immediately.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Request Validation After Receiving Multiple Collection Notices
[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 Validation After Receiving Multiple Collection Notices
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to the multiple collection notices I have received from your company regarding account number [Account Number]. As I have not received any prior communication or validation of this debt, I am formally requesting validation.
Please provide the following information:
1. The name of the original creditor.
2. The account number with the original creditor.
3. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
4. Documentation showing I am responsible for this debt.
Please cease all collection activity until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Request Documentation of Debt Ownership and Collection Rights
[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 Documentation of Debt Ownership and Collection Rights
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting documentation proving your company’s ownership of this debt and your legal right to collect it.
Please provide the following:
1. Documentation showing that your company legally owns this debt.
2. Documentation of your authorization to collect this debt from me.
3. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
4. The name and contact information for the original creditor.
Please cease all collection activity until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Request Proof of Claim for Deceased Relative
[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 Proof of Claim for Deceased Relative
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to you in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number], which you claim was incurred by my deceased relative, [Deceased’s Name].
I am requesting validation of this alleged debt and verification of your legal right to pursue it from the estate of the deceased.
Please provide the following:
1. A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt, signed by [Deceased’s Name].
2. Proof that you have filed a valid claim against the estate of [Deceased’s Name].
3. Documentation establishing the legal basis for pursuing this debt from the estate.
4. A copy of the death certificate for [Deceased’s Name].
Please cease all collection activity directed towards me personally until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Request information on the debt collector’s license
[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 information on the debt collector’s license
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am requesting information on your license to collect debt in [state].
Please cease all collection activity until you provide this verification. I look forward to receiving this information within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Second Request for Debt Validation After No Response
[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: Second Request for Debt Validation – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to you again regarding your letter dated [Date of Collection Letter] concerning account number [Account Number]. On [Date of Initial Request], I sent you a letter requesting validation of this alleged debt. To date, I have not received any response.
Please be aware that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires you to provide the requested validation.
I am again requesting that you provide the following information immediately:
1. The name and address of the original creditor.
2. A copy of the original contract or agreement between me and the original creditor that created the debt.
3. Documentation demonstrating that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
4. A complete payment history for this account.
If I do not receive the requested validation within [Number] days of the date of this letter, I will pursue all available legal options, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16: Request to confirm zero balance.
[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 to confirm zero balance – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],
I am writing to request to confirm that the current balance of account number [Account Number] is zero dollars.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
Using these debt verification letter samples empowers you to protect your financial well-being. Remember to tailor each template to your specific situation and send it via certified mail. Document everything, and don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel if needed. Proactive debt verification is a key step towards ensuring fair and accurate debt collection practices.
