Debt Validation Letter (Format & Examples)

A Debt Validation Letter is a letter you can write to a debt collector requesting proof that you owe a debt. Federal law protects your right to obtain information about your debts. If you are uncertain about whether you truly owe a debt you have been contacted about, write a debt validation letter to the debt collector. To take advantage of this law, you must make a request in writing within 30 days of the collector’s initial contact with you. A request by phone does not satisfy this requirement.

It is important to send your debt validation letter by certified mail, so that you have verification of the mailing and the collector’s receipt of the document. After the collector receives your validation request, they must cease all collection activity until they provide the proof you requested. They cannot legally call you or send you mail requesting payment during this period. They also cannot list your debt on your credit report until they have provided validation of the debt.

Note: You have the right to ask if your debt has passed the statute of limitations. Verify the statute of limitations on debts in your state. If you make a promise to pay, the statute of limitations clock can be restarted. If your debt is resold, you will need to send a letter to the new debt collection agency after they contact you.

Here is what you need to include:

The date you were initially contacted regarding the debt
How you were contacted on that date
The account number you were given

The information you are requesting:

The name of the original creditor, the account number, and the final billing statement
An explanation of any payments, interest, or charges since the last billing statement
Proof of legal authorization for any charges or interest since the last billing statement
The date the original creditor claims the debt became delinquent
Proof the collector is licensed to collect the debt
Proof that you are obligated to pay the debt
Whether the debt has passed the statute of limitations in your state

Do not admit you owe the debt
Do not make any reference to paying the debt

Debt Validation Letter Format

Here is a basic format for a Debt Validation Letter. This basic format can be modified to suit your needs.

{Your Name}

{Your Address}

Leave this line blank.

{Contact Name}

{Collection Agency’s Name}

{Collection Agency’s Address}

{Date}

RE: {Account Number}

Dear {Contact Name}:

I am writing in response to your {letter or phone call} I received on {Date of Contact} regarding a debt. I am requesting that you provide me with validation of the debt and proof that I have a contractual obligation to pay the debt.

Please send me the following:

· Valid basis for claiming I am required to pay the current amount owed

· Information about the original obligation:

· Name and Address of original creditor

· Account Number

· Amount Owed

· Date the creditor reported the debt as delinquent

· Final billing statement from original creditor

· Any further information in your possession regarding the original obligation

· Explanation of charges, interest fees, or payments made since last billing cycle

· Proof of legal authorization to add charges or interest fees since last billing cycle

· Verification of licensed authority to collect this debt in my state:

· License Number

· Name on License

· Name and contact information of Licensing agency

· Verification of licensed authority to collect debt in your state

· Information about the statute of limitations on debt in my state:

· Whether this debt has passed the statute of limitations in my state

· Process by which this determination was made

I require this information to make an informed decision regarding the debt. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

Sample Debt Validation Letter

Here is a sample letter based on the basic format above.

Damon Henderson

2009 South 53 Place

Evensville, NC 73206

Mrs. Evelyn Flynn

North & South Collections

200 East 6 Street

Bakersfield, NC 74579

June 30, 2022

RE: Account Number 684992-0554

Dear Mrs. Evelyn Flynn:

I am writing in response to your letter I received on June 28, 2022 regarding a debt. I am requesting that you provide me with validation of the debt and proof that I have a contractual obligation to pay the debt.