Ever gotten a weird collection call? You’re not alone — and you have a right to protect yourself against suspicious businesses. That’s when you need to lean on the power of a validation letter. It’s a simple, direct way to say: “Show me the details.”
Here’s what you need to know about debt validation, what to include in your letter, what happens next and how to move forward if things still don’t feel right.
Why You’ll Want to Validate
Debt collection isn’t always clean or accurate: Balances can be wrong, debts can be too old to collect and, sometimes, that bill isn’t even your debt. Companies are constantly buying and selling accounts in debt, so it’s not unusual for information to be lost in the exchange.
The law gives you the right to ask for documentation, and you should take advantage of that position. If a collector contacts you, you can send a written request asking them to prove the original creditor’s identity, the full balance and confirmation that they’re legally allowed to collect that debt.
Once you ask, they have to stop contacting you until they send the information. And you can use that time to figure out more about what’s going on — and if you have any responsibilities in the matter at hand.
What Goes in a Debt Validation Letter?
Think of a debt validation letter as a way of shifting the control of the conversation about your so-called debt. A debt validation letter offers you the opportunity to ask the questions — and determine if the inquiring party is legitimate.
A basic debt validation letter might be as simple as:
“This is a request for validation of the debt you’re attempting to collect. Please send written proof of the debt, including the name of the original creditor, the total amount you’re claiming and documentation that you have the legal right to collect it. I’m asking that you only contact me in writing moving forward.”
Don’t include any bank info, Social Security numbers or promises to pay — you want to keep the information you share about yourself to a minimum, until you know more. Send your message via certified mail to ensure you have proof of communication.
What Happens After You Send It?
Once the collector gets your letter, they’re not allowed to keep calling or texting until they provide the documents you asked for. If they don’t respond to your inquiry directly or at all, then you know that they’re likely not a legitimate actor.
On the flipside, a response from a company will include the originator original creditor of the debt, how much you allegedly owe, how you supposedly owe and proof that they’re legally allowed to collect this debt.
If the documents make sense and you recognize the debt, you can start deciding how to handle it. If things still don’t add up, you can keep pushing back (or get help figuring it out).
What if They Respond But It’s Still Fishy?
Some collectors will try to make it look like they’re being transparent, when really they’re obscuring their true rights to the debt in question. Look out for responses that are missing key information (like omitting the original creditor), continuous calls even after receiving the letter, unverifiable company details or asking for payment without providing the information you have a legal right to possess.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Real collectors will respond to a validation request. If they don’t— or if they’re aggressive or evasive — you may be dealing with a bad actor. Remember: These companies make their money off panic. Don’t feel pressured to pay under artificially stressful circumstances.
What to Do If They Don’t Respond or Keep Calling
You’re not out of options if they ignore you or keep pushing. If their response to your letter never materializes or is insufficient, send a follow-up letter via certified mail telling them to stop contacting you completely, file a complaint with your state attorney general’s office and the CFPB, and report the company to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If you’re getting multiple calls, keep a log: Write down dates, times, numbers and what was said. That record can help if you need to take it further. It’s tough to deal with bad actors involved with your finances. But doing your due diligence — while staying calm — can help you avoid losing money to scammers. And that’s worth the effort.