We have compiled three letters you will need when performing successful debt validation.

First, send an initial debt validation letter to the collection agency certified mail.

Five or so days later, you will send a dispute letter to the credit reporting agencies certified mail, requiring them to contact the collection agency and ask for verification.

If the collection agency attempts to send you validation and it is insufficient, you will need to send a follow-up letter to the collection agency certified mail, requesting them to provide sufficient, adequate proof. Remember, a collection agency cannot verify until they have sent you adequate validation. If they do verify with the CRAs without first validating with you, they have violated the FDCPA and you should sue them.

Click on the links to get a Microsoft Word format version of the letters. A .doc file will open up and save it to your Desktop. This way you can easily retrieve the file.

Initial Debt Validation Letter:

Date
(Your Name)                                                                                                   
(Your Address)
(Your City/State/Zip)

(Debt Collector Name)
(Debt Collector Address)
(Debt Collector City/State/Zip)

RE: Collection Letter, Dated (Date on Collection Letter), Account #: (#########)

This letter is in response to the initial debt collection notification you sent me, which I received on (Date of Letter).  I dispute your debt collection – related allegations, deny the same, and demand strict proof and verification thereof.  This dispute, denial, and demand are made in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act [15 USC 1692g].  Please send me documents that state:

1. The original creditor from whom I made the purchase.
2. That you are authorized to collect this debt on behalf of the original creditor or any subsequent purchasers of this debt.
3. A complete transaction and payment history from the original creditor, and subsequent purchasers, if any.
4. Letters or proof that I agreed to pay what you say I owe.
5. That you are licensed to collect this debt in (Your State).
6. The original amount when this debt was assigned to you, any fees and interest charges that have been added on to this debt, and how you determined these fees.

If you wish to continue to collect the debt, your office must respond to me with sufficient, adequate validation.

I also demand that you do NOT call me at my home or work. All communication with me must be done in writing format and sent to my mailbox. Besides sending validation, if your company does contact me at my home or work before sending me validation of the debt, I will consider this harassment and will file a lawsuit.

Sincerely,

 

                               
(Your Name)

_____________________________________

Dispute Letter to the Credit Reporting Agencies:

Date 
(Your Name)
(Your Street Address)
(Your City/State/Zip)
Social Security #: (123-45-6789)

Dear (Credit Reporting Agency) :
This letter is a formal request to correct inaccurate information in my credit file maintained by your company.  The items listed below are inaccurate, incomplete and misleading, resulting in very serious errors in reporting.

Account Name & Number                            Reason for Dispute­­­
(Account Name) acct# (#######)                    (Reason for dispute) 

 

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit reporting agencies are required to maintain and report only 100% accurate credit information, and to investigate any claims of inaccuracy within 30 days of receiving such a claim.  I respectfully request you investigate my claim.
If after your investigation, you find my claim to be valid or obtain verification of reported information, I request that you immediately delete, update or correct the item and supply a complete corrected credit report to me.  Additionally, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of each credit grantor or other subscriber.
If your investigation shows the information being reported to be accurate, I request that you provide me with proof of the accuracy of the item in question, specifically any contract, note or other instrument bearing my signature.  Additionally, within 15 days of the completion of your re-investigation, please forward to me a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of any item in question that is “verified”.

Sincerely,

 

_______________________

 (Your Name)

 

 

Follow-Up Debt Validation Letter:

Date
(Your Name)                                                                                                   
(Your Street Address)
(Your City/State/Zip)

(Debt Collector's Name)
(Debt Collector's Street Address)
(Debt Collectors City/State/Zip)

RE: Inadequate validation of debt; Dated (Month, date year) ; Account #: (####)

This letter is in response to the information you sent and received by me on (Month, Date, Year) , attempting to validate the debt.

I sent my initial dispute letter on (Month, date year) , disputing the validity of the debt according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act [15 USC 1692g], I demand that you cease all collection activity until you mail me adequate validation of this debt. I request that your Debt Collection agency provide me with all of the following information in order to validate this debt:

1. The original creditor from whom I made the purchase.
2. That you are authorized to collect this debt on behalf of the original creditor or any subsequent purchasers of this debt.
3. A complete transaction and payment history from the original creditor, and subsequent purchasers, if any.
4. Letters or proof that I agreed to pay what you say I owe.
5. That you are licensed to collect this debt in (Your State) .
6. The original amount when this debt was assigned to you, any fees and interest charges that have been added on to this debt, and how you determined these fees.

If you wish to continue to collect the debt, your office must respond to me with sufficient, adequate validation. Again, your previous response was unsubstantial!

I also demand that you do NOT call me at my home or work during this period. All communication with me must be done in writing format and sent to my mailbox. Besides sending validation, if your company does contact me at my home or work within the next 30 days about the debt, I will consider this harassment and will file a lawsuit.

 

Sincerely,

 

                                                                       
(Your Name)

 

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