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.