Write and send a debt validation letter to a debt collector.
We received a letter from a collection agency, have absolutely no clue what it is for, and want to send a debt validation request. From what I can tell it's a debt that was bought from another agency and no where on the letter is it mentioned who the original creditor is, it just says "Debt One" and unless that's the name of some company that bought out someone we owed money to (a Google search did nothing to help me with this), I'm absolutely confused.
The amounts we supposedly owe is for several thousand dollars, with a settlement offer of just under $1,200. My husband and I have paid off past debts over the years. We've made mistakes but our highest debt was $3, 500 for a payoff on my husband's repossessed truck from before I was even with him and the rest were for amounts under $1000. There isn't anything I can remember that would possibly have been that high unless we're talking major fees and interest rates on something that was once very small and from many years ago.
I have read that I need to send debt validation letter but many of them are not fitting our situation. I received a letter and have absolutely no idea who it's from or what it's about but I do not want to attack the collection agency or threaten to take them to court, I just want to ask for validation so I know what this is all about before proceeding. It's possible that we have a SOL case...
How do I write a debt validation letter in response to a letter from a collection agency where I have no idea who the original creditor is?
—Leslie
The background you provided with your questions pretty much contains what you would send in a letter requesting debt validation. Something as simple as: “I am responding to the collection notice I received from your office. Please know that I have no knowledge of the debt you are attempting to collect. I am requesting you provide validation of this alleged debt you say I owe. Any further collection action which would include furnishing information to credit reporting agencies should cease until you can provide me legitimate detail.”
Debt validation requests are simple enough.
What to do if collection activity continues before validation is given to you, or when the debt is shown to be valid, is when you may want to get some assistance in evaluating your next step.
- Write back to the debt collectors name and address on the collection letter you received.
- Always send debt validation requests via certified mail and return receipt requested.
- Keep a copy of everything neatly in a file and in a safe place.
- Keep notes of all written communications and all collection calls in your file.
Requesting a debt collector validate a debt is your right.
- The federal law that provides your right to request debt validation and how a debt collector must respond to your request is laid out in section 1692g of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- There are often state specific laws that protect you from debt collectors.
- A debt collector receiving your validation request must cease collection activity until they have met the compliance standard set out in the FDCPA.
- Debt collectors are known to violate your rights by continuing collection efforts without correctly responding to debt validation requests.
If you need some more feedback after your validation request is responded to, or there is additional debt collector calls and collection letters without proper validation, post the details and questions in a reply comment below.
Anyone with questions or concerns about debt validation letters is welcome to post in the comments below for feedback.
About Michael BoveeMichael started CRN in 2004 with a mission to provide people in need with detailed debt and credit help and education. Michael has participated as an expert panelist in federal consumer protection rule making, collaborated on state law changes governing debt consolidation, has worked as an expert witness in court matters related to the debt relief industry. He is available to speak with you about your financial struggle and helps people resolve their debt problems daily.
5/12/2015 received a collection letter from dynamic recover solutions from a clout visa card i had in 2004. It went to collections at a Law firm (i have the contact info and contacted them about this situation) This debt was paid in full by myself on March 16, 2009, check number 1123 in a full amount of $2537.08. The law firm i went thru confirmed i did pay the debt but they had a bad flood in 2011 and lost all their document they just have an electronic confirmation of payment. Dynamic recovery solutions is now telling me i owe them 5799.71. I requested debt validation months ago got nothing but another collection letter and i requested validation again today via mail.
Be sure to send any debt validation request in writing and use certified mail return receipt requested through the USPS. This way you can prove they received it. If you did not send your request that way, send another debt validation letter this way.
Look on your credit reports to see if Dynamic Recovery Solutions is showing, or if anyone else is reporting this account. Post an update with what you find.
If there is any additional collection effort after you know Dynamic Recovery got your validation letter, post an update and lets go from there.