Legal Tool

Debt Validation Letter Templates

Request proof that a debt is yours. Under the FDCPA, collectors must validate the debt within 30 days or stop collection efforts.

When to Use
Collection agency first contacts you
You don't recognize the debt
Amount seems incorrect
Debt is past statute of limitations
Time Limits
Send within 30 days of first contact
They have 30 days to respond
Collection stops during validation
No time limit for 609 letters
Your Rights Under FDCPA

Collection agencies MUST:

  • • Send written validation within 5 days of first contact
  • • Provide proof you owe the debt
  • • Stop collection if validation is requested
  • • Report accurately to credit bureaus

Collection agencies CANNOT:

  • • Call before 8am or after 9pm
  • • Call you at work if told to stop
  • • Harass, threaten, or lie to you
  • • Contact you after cease and desist
Standard Debt Validation Letter
Request proof that the debt is yours and the amount is correct
Date: [Current Date] To: [Collection Agency Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP] From: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] Re: Debt Validation Request - Account # [Account Number] Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing in response to your communication regarding the above-referenced account. Pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, I hereby request validation of this debt. Please provide the following: 1. Proof that you are licensed to collect in my state 2. The original creditor's name and address 3. The account number with the original creditor 4. A copy of the original signed contract or agreement 5. A complete payment history showing how the amount was calculated 6. Proof that the statute of limitations has not expired Additionally, please cease all collection activities until you have provided this validation. If you cannot provide proper validation, the debt must be deleted from my credit report. Please respond within 30 days as required by law. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY] [Last 4 SSN: XXXX]
609 Verification Letter
Request verification under FCRA Section 609
Date: [Current Date] To: [Credit Bureau Name] [Address] From: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] Re: Section 609 Verification Request - Account # [Account Number] Dear Sir/Madam, Pursuant to my rights under Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681g, I am requesting verification of the following item on my credit report: Account Name: [Creditor Name] Account Number: [Account Number] Reported Balance: $[Amount] I have the right to know what information was used to verify this account. Please provide: 1. The name and address of the furnisher of this information 2. All information in your files regarding this account 3. The source of the information 4. The date the information was first reported If you cannot provide this verification within 30 days, the item must be deleted from my credit report pursuant to FCRA § 611. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Social Security Number: XXX-XX-XXXX] [Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY]
Cease and Desist Letter
Stop collection calls and harassment
Date: [Current Date] To: [Collection Agency Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP] From: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] Re: Cease and Desist All Communication - Account # [Account Number] Dear Sir/Madam, Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), I hereby demand that you CEASE AND DESIST all communication with me regarding the above-referenced account. This means you must stop: - Calling my home at [Phone Number] - Calling my place of employment - Calling my family members or references - Sending collection letters - Any other form of contact You are only permitted to contact me to: 1. Advise that collection efforts are being terminated 2. Notify me that you or the creditor may invoke specified remedies 3. Notify me that you or the creditor intend to pursue a specific remedy Any violation of this cease and desist demand will be documented and reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and my state's Attorney General. I reserve the right to pursue legal action for FDCPA violations, which carry penalties of up to $1,000 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees. Govern yourselves accordingly. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if they don't respond?

If they can't validate the debt, they must stop collection activities and remove it from your credit report. You can file a dispute with the credit bureaus citing their failure to validate.

What counts as proper validation?

At minimum: original creditor name, amount owed, and some documentation linking you to the debt. Many courts require more, like signed contracts or complete payment histories.

Can I still request validation after 30 days?

Yes, but they're not legally required to stop collection activities. The 30-day window only applies to the automatic cease-collection requirement. You can always request proof of any debt.