Before You Copy This Letter
- Replace all highlighted text in [BRACKETS] with your actual information
- Send via certified mail with return receipt requested (USPS green card) -- this creates proof of delivery
- Keep a copy of the letter and the certified mail receipt for your records
- Send within 30 days of receiving the collector's initial validation notice
- Do not include payment or any statement that acknowledges the debt is valid
Do not call the collector. Everything should be in writing. Phone calls can be used against you and create no paper trail.
The Letter
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[DATE]
[COLLECTOR NAME]
[COLLECTOR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: Account No. [ACCOUNT NUMBER FROM THEIR LETTER]
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing in response to your communication dated [DATE OF THEIR LETTER] regarding an alleged debt in the amount of [AMOUNT THEY CLAIM].
Pursuant to my rights under 15 U.S.C. Section 1692g(b), I am disputing this debt in its entirety and requesting that you provide validation.
Please provide the following:
1. The amount of the alleged debt, including an itemization of all principal, interest, fees, and other charges;
2. The name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor;
3. Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in my state of [YOUR STATE];
4. A copy of the original signed agreement or contract that created this alleged obligation;
5. A complete chain of assignment or sale from the original creditor to your company;
6. Proof that the statute of limitations has not expired on this alleged debt;
7. Verification that the amount you claim is accurate and that I am the correct person from whom this debt is owed.
Under 15 U.S.C. Section 1692g(b), you are required to cease all collection activity on this alleged debt until you have provided adequate verification and mailed it to me.
Please note that this is not a refusal to pay, but a request for verification as provided by federal law. If you cannot provide the requested documentation, I demand that you cease all collection efforts and remove any negative reporting related to this alleged debt from all credit reporting agencies.
Any continued collection activity or reporting prior to providing the requested validation will be considered a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Sincerely,
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
Sent via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
Tracking No.: [TRACKING NUMBER]
After You Send the Letter
Once you mail the letter via certified mail:
- Save everything: Keep a copy of the letter, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt (green card) when it comes back
- Log the date: Note when you mailed it and when the green card shows it was delivered
- Wait for a response: The collector must either provide validation or stop collecting. There is no specific deadline in the statute for their response, but they cannot resume collection until they do
- Monitor your credit reports: If the collector reports or continues reporting after receiving your dispute, that may be an FDCPA violation
For more details, see: What to do after you send the letter
Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
- Always use certified mail. Regular mail provides no proof of delivery. The green card is your evidence.
- Never admit the debt is yours. Use phrases like "alleged debt" and "if this debt is valid."
- Send one letter per debt. If multiple collectors are contacting you about different debts, send separate letters to each.
- Do not negotiate in the same letter. Validation and settlement are separate conversations.
- Time it carefully. You have 30 days from receiving their notice. Do not wait until the last day -- mail can be delayed.
This letter is free. You do not need to pay a company, sign up for a service, or hire a lawyer to send a debt validation letter. The FDCPA gives you this right at no cost.