recvied a letter from attorney asking to validate debt what to do

by Yesenia Goyette 10 min read

If you received a letter in the mail, you can include the date it was postmarked. Next, simply state your request that the debt collector validates the debt. Finally, to show them that you know your legal rights, inform them that you plan on reporting them to the appropriate regulators if they do not respond in a timely manner.

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a debt collector must respond to a request for a debt validation letter. If they don't, they're in violation of the act. You can report them to your state's attorney general, the FTC or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).Jan 3, 2022

Full Answer

What to do if you don’t receive a debt validation letter?

Sep 20, 2019 · The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states a debt collector must provide you with proof of debt if you request it. A debt validation letter is the tool you use to do this. Sometimes you’ll see the terms “debt validation letter” and “debt verification letter” used synonymously, and here’s where it gets a little confusing.

What is the difference between a debt validation and verification letter?

Jan 03, 2022 · The debt verification letter is a letter you write and send to the debt collector, disputing the debt (if you truly don’t owe it or owe as much as the collector says you do). You’ll also send this letter via certified mail with a return receipt request so you have a record of your communication back to the collector.

When to send a debt verification letter to a debt collector?

Feb 16, 2022 · Step 1. Within 30 days of learning about the debt, send a debt validation letter to the collection agency via certified mail. You can ask who the original creditor is and request documentation proving that it belongs to you, such as the original loan agreement. Check out our sample debt validation letters.

Can I dispute the debt after the 30-day validation period?

Mar 06, 2020 · The debt validation letter includes: The amount owed. The name of the creditor seeking payment. A statement that the debt is assumed valid by the collector unless you dispute it within 30 days of ...

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How do I respond to a debt validation letter?

A debt verification letter doesn't have to say anything fancy. Just state that you're responding to a collection effort, you don't recognize the debt, you are demanding they prove you owe it and, if they can't, to stop contacting you. That's it.Dec 3, 2021

What happens after debt validation letter?

A debt validation letter should include the name of your creditor, how much you supposedly owe, and information on how to dispute the debt. After receiving a debt validation letter, you have 30 days to dispute the debt and request written evidence of it from the debt collector.

What is the purpose of a debt validation letter?

The term "debt validation letter" refers to a letter that an individual sends to their creditor or collection agency requesting proof that the debt in question is valid and not outside the statute of limitations for collecting the debt.Nov 15, 2016

What does validate your debt mean?

A statement that the debt is assumed valid by the collector unless you dispute it within 30 days of the first contact. A statement that if you write to dispute the debt or request more information within 30 days, the debt collector will verify the debt by mail.

Is debt validation a good idea?

Debt validation can be extremely effective. If the debt collector is unable to validate your debt, you can request for the debt to be removed. Without validation, your credit report could be filled with multiple debts that don't belong to you.Mar 25, 2021

What happens if creditor does not validate debt?

Mistakes happen and errors are common. If you just go ahead and pay the debt without requesting a debt validation letter, you could end up: Paying money you don't owe (not cool) Reviving debt past the statute of limitations (or the amount of time a creditor can legally come after you for a debt)Jan 3, 2022

Should you send a debt validation letter?

It is important to send your debt validation letter via certified mail because: You'll have proof of delivery with a time stamp and the debt collector can never claim “gosh, we never received your debt validation request”. You'll get their attention because only “serious” documents are sent via certified mail.Feb 8, 2022

What is the difference between debt validation and debt verification?

What Is a Debt Verification Letter? While a debt validation letter provides information about the debt the collection agency claims you owe, a verification letter must prove it. In other words, if the collection agency doesn't have enough evidence to prove you owe it, their hands may be tied.May 18, 2021

What is a validation notice?

The validation notice is meant to help you recognize whether the debt is yours and dispute the debt if it is not yours. The notice generally must include: A statement that the communication is from a debt collector. The name and mailing information of the debt collector and the consumer.Nov 30, 2021

Do you send debt validation letter to credit?

Send this letter to the credit bureau and include copies of any documentation you have that disputes that you legally owe the debt. Make sure to note that you contacted the creditor and did not receive a response to your validation request, and include copies of the letter and the return receipt as proof.Apr 4, 2021

How do I request a debt validation?

To request verification, send a letter to the collection agency stating that you dispute the validity of the debt and that you want documentation verifying the debt. Also, request the name and address of the original creditor.

How does a credit bureau verify a debt?

They'll contact the lender and get information about the debt in question. Then, the lender will search through databases of other, recent fraudulent activity to determine if your inquiry is similar. They'll also look at your credit report to look for any entries that may be similar.Mar 30, 2021