Use this template to request proof of a debt and protect your rights when dealing with collectors.
Quick Instructions
How to Use Your Debt Validation Letter
Keep it simple:
- Fill in your personal information
- Add the collector’s name and account details
- Mail the letter (certified mail return receipt requested recommended)
- Keep a copy for your records
- Wait for validation before making any payment
What to Do After Sending Your Letter
- Learn what happens next
- Understand collector responses
- Avoid common mistakes
Check out our blog here.
And don’t worry, we’ve also sent a copy of the letter to your email so you can access it anytime.
What is a Debt Validation Letter?
A debt validation letter is a tool you can use to force your debt collectors to prove that they own the debt and you owe the debt.
Federal law requires debt collectors to respond to your debt validation request.
When you send a validation letter, the collector must provide details about the debt, including:
- The original creditor’s name
- The amount that you owe
- Proof that you are the debtor
- Documentation showing that the debt collector has the right to collect on this specific debt
A debt validation letter can also request that the debt collector stop contacting you unless they plan to file a lawsuit to collect the debt.
If the debt collector cannot validate the debt, they may be required to stop collection efforts.
What is the Difference Between Debt Validation and Debt Verification?
These terms are essentially interchangeable. Debt validation is your written requrest for proof of the debt, and debt verification is the process the debt collector goes through to confirm the debt.
All you need to know is that you have the right to ask a collector to prove you owe the debt before you are required to pay it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Your Debt Validation Letter
- ❌ Don’t admit the debt is yours to the debt collector. Talk in vague terms about the debt.
- ❌ Don’t provide more personal information than necessary for them to identify the account.
- ❌ Don’t ignore a summons for a lawsuit if you are served.
- ✅ Keep copies of the letters you send in case you need to prove you sent them. Sending letters certified mail return receipt requested is a great way to do this.