Here is a debt validation sample letter that you might send to a collection agency or junk debt buyer to request that they prove the validity of a debt they are trying to collect from you. Feel free to use your own words and tailor the letter to fit your particular situation. Remember to send this certified mail with return receipt requested, and keep a copy of the letter and the receipt for your records.
I am also including in this letter a request that the debt collector stop contacting you by phone. Don’t leave that part out! It will stop any harassing or annoying phone calls you may be receiving. And even if you’re not especially concerned about phone calls, you should still always make it your strict personal policy to avoid speaking to collection agencies/JDB’s over the phone. In order to best protect your rights, all communications should be made strictly in writing!
Note: Debt validation is your right per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which applies only to third-party debt collectors–so please don’t send this letter to an original creditor, as they are not required to validate debts.
Date
Your Name
Your Address
Collection Agency Name
Collection Agency Address
Re: Acct Number XXXXX [if unavailable, list the name of the account]
To whom it may concern:
This letter is in response to your letter (or phone call) dated XX/XX/XX, and/or a listing you placed on my credit report. Please be advised that this is not a refusal to pay, but a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that this alleged debt is disputed.
Please provide me with the following:
-a detailed accounting of how the amount you say I owe was calculated
-a copy of a signed contract between me and the original creditor
-proof that you own or have been assigned the debt
-proof that you are licensed to collect in my state [note: there are a few states that don’t require debt collectors to be licensed; leave this part out if your state is one of them]
If you fail to respond to this request within 30 days of your receipt of this letter, you must delete all listings of this debt that you have placed on my credit reports.
This letter also serves as written notice that your company is not to contact me by telephone. All future communications with me must be made in writing and sent to the address listed above.
Sincerely, Your Name [note: Do NOT sign anything you send to a third-party debt collector! You might find that your signature magically appears later on documents you’ve never even seen, let alone signed! This is one of the many underhanded tactics employed by third-party collectors.]