A debt collector’s validation notice gives information about a debt and explains how to dispute it or ask for more information. You have 30 days after you receive the validation information to dispute all or part of the debt; if you receive a validation notice, it will show when that period ends.
What to have in front of you
Gather what you have from this list:
- The validation notice or other validation information from the debt collector
- Other letters or documents the collector has sent you
- Payment records, such as canceled checks or credit card statements
- Any correspondence about settling the debt
- Copies of anything you have already sent to the collector
- Notes about conversations with the collector, including dates and times
If you do not have payment records or letters saying you paid off the debt, you can contact the creditor you originally paid to get that information.
Check the validation information
Debt collectors are generally required to give you certain information about the debt. This is called validation information or a validation notice. You may receive it during or after your first communication with the collector.
The information must include:
- The name of the creditor
- The amount the collector says is owed
- Your ability to dispute the debt
- A statement that the collector will assume the debt is valid if you do not dispute it within 30 days
- A statement that the collector will provide verification if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days
- A statement that you can request the name and address of the original creditor within 30 days, if that creditor is different from the current creditor
Use this information to review what the collector is saying. If you received a validation notice, check it for the end date of the 30-day period.
Choose how to respond
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, says you may send the debt collector a written request to dispute the debt or get more information. This is an option if you believe you already paid, do not owe the debt, the amount is incorrect, or the debt is not yours.
You have 30 days after receiving the validation information to dispute all or part of the debt. If you dispute it in writing within that period, the collector will provide verification of the debt.
Once you have disputed the debt, the collector cannot call or contact you to collect it until the collector has responded with verification.
The CFPB has sample letters for responding to a debt collector based on your situation. The sample letters are not legal advice.
Ask about the original creditor
You can also ask the debt collector for the name and address of the original creditor, if that creditor is different from the current creditor.
If you make this request in writing within 30 days, the collector must stop all debt collection activities until it provides that information.
The validation information must explain that the collector will provide the original creditor’s name and address if you request it within 30 days. Check the notice you received for the end of that period.
If you already paid
If a collector contacts you about a debt you already paid, the CFPB says to let the collector know and provide confirmation of your payments. First, make sure you are confident it is not a scam.
If you are sure you are talking with a legitimate debt collector, you can send copies of documents showing your payments. These can include canceled checks or credit card statements. You may also include copies of correspondence about settling the debt.
Send copies, not original documents. Keep the originals as proof. If you do not have payment documents or letters saying you paid off the debt, you can ask the creditor you originally paid for that information.
Keep copies and proof
Keep a file of the letters and documents the debt collector sends you, along with copies of anything you send. Write down the dates and times of conversations and notes about what you discussed.
If you dispute the debt, make a copy of your written dispute and send the original to the collector. The CFPB says it is generally a good idea to send the dispute by certified mail. If you pay for a return receipt, you will have proof that the collector received your mail.
These records can help if you have a dispute with a collector, meet with a lawyer, or go to court. If you are having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.
Where this comes from
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What can I do if a debt collector contacts me about a debt I already paid or don't think I owe?