Debt Validation Letter

A letter that forces a debt collector to prove a debt is valid — and yours — under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act before they can keep collecting.

Your right to make them prove it

Under the FDCPA, when a third-party collector contacts you, you can send a debt validation request (generally within 30 days of first contact). Until they validate, they're required to pause collection activity.

When to use it

• A collection account you don't recognize appears or a collector contacts you
• You want proof the collector owns the debt and has the right to collect
• The amount looks wrong or the debt may be past the statute of limitations

What you get

• A ready-to-send debt validation letter template
• Guidance on timing, what to request, and how to send it (keep proof of mailing)
• Notes on what a proper validation should include