A debt collector contacts you out of nowhere — and the amount they're demanding doesn't look right. Maybe you don't recognize the debt at all. Before you pay a dime or panic, there's something you should know: federal law gives you the right to demand proof.
Under FDCPA §1692g, you can send a debt validation letter requiring the collector to verify the debt is real, the amount is accurate, and they have the legal right to collect it. Until they respond with proper documentation, they must stop all collection activity. This is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools consumers have.
This guide walks you through exactly how debt validation works, what to include in your letter, what collectors are required to provide in return, and the mistakes that can cost you your rights. We also include a free debt validation letter template you can customize and send today.
In This Guide
- What Is Debt Validation Under FDCPA §1692g?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Debt Validation
- Free Debt Validation Letter Template
- How Collectors Must Respond Under the Law
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Validation Process
- When to Contact an FDCPA Attorney
- Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Validation Letters
What Is Debt Validation Under FDCPA §1692g?
Debt validation is your federally protected right to require a debt collector to prove that the debt they're trying to collect is legitimate. It's codified at 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, and it exists because the debt collection industry is full of errors — wrong amounts, wrong people, debts that have already been paid, and debts that were never owed in the first place.
Here's how it works. When a third-party debt collector first contacts you, they are required by law to send you a written validation notice within five days. That notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you allegedly owe, and a statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing.
If you send a written dispute within that 30-day window, the collector must stop all collection activity — no calls, no letters, no credit reporting — until they provide you with verification of the debt. This isn't optional. It's a legal obligation, and failing to comply is a violation of federal law.
Debt validation is different from a cease and desist letter. A cease and desist tells the collector to stop contacting you entirely. A debt validation request says: prove this debt is real before you do anything else. You can use both tools, but they serve different purposes. The validation letter keeps your options open while forcing the collector to do their homework.
For a broader overview of the FDCPA and all the rights it provides, see our complete FDCPA guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Debt Validation
Sending a debt validation letter is straightforward — but the details matter. Follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong foundation for any future legal claim.
Step 1: Review the collector's initial notice. When a debt collector first contacts you — whether by phone, letter, text, or email — they must send you a written validation notice within five days. Review it carefully. Note the collector's name, address, the amount claimed, and the creditor listed. If anything looks wrong or unfamiliar, that's reason enough to request validation.
Step 2: Draft your debt validation letter. Your letter should clearly identify you and the account in question, state that you are disputing the debt under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, and request specific documentation proving the debt is valid. Use the template below as your starting point.
Step 3: Send it via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested. This is non-negotiable. Certified mail with a return receipt creates a documented paper trail proving the collector received your letter and when they received it. At the Post Office, expect to pay approximately $10–11 for a one-ounce certified letter with a physical return receipt (green card). Electronic return receipt options are available online for less. Keep your mailing receipt and the return receipt — these become evidence if the collector ignores your request.
Step 4: Document everything and track your 30-day deadline. The 30-day clock starts from the date you receive the collector's initial validation notice — not from the date they sent it. Mark this deadline on your calendar. If you send your validation request within this window, the collector must cease all collection activity until they respond. For best practices on preserving evidence, read our guide on FDCPA record keeping.
Free Debt Validation Letter Template
Below is a debt validation letter you can customize for your situation. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your actual information before sending.
[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector Name] [Debt Collector Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Account Number [account number listed on the collector's notice]
Dear [Debt Collector Name],
I am writing in response to your [letter/phone call/other] dated [date of collector's initial contact] regarding the above-referenced account. I am exercising my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, to dispute this debt and request validation.
Please provide the following documentation:
- The name and address of the original creditor, if different from the entity currently attempting to collect
- The exact amount of the debt claimed, including an itemized breakdown of principal, interest, fees, and any other charges
- Verification that the debt is mine and that the amount is correct
- A copy of any signed agreement or contract establishing my obligation for this debt
- Proof that your company is licensed to collect debts in my state
Until you have provided this validation, I request that you cease all collection activity on this account, including phone calls, letters, and credit reporting, as required by 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b).
This letter is not an acknowledgment that I owe this debt. I am exercising my rights under federal law.
Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Tips for customizing your letter:
- Always reference the specific account number from the collector's notice so there is no confusion about which debt you are disputing.
- Do not admit to owing the debt anywhere in the letter. Use language like "the alleged debt" or "the account referenced in your notice."
- Keep the tone factual and professional. Emotional language weakens your position; citing the law strengthens it.
- If the collector contacted you by phone and you didn't receive a written notice, note that in your letter and still request validation.
How Collectors Must Respond Under the Law
Once a debt collector receives your timely validation request, the law imposes clear obligations on them — and clear consequences if they fail to comply.
The collector must stop all collection activity. Under §1692g(b), after receiving your written dispute within the 30-day validation period, the collector must cease collection efforts until they mail you verification of the debt, a copy of a judgment (if applicable), or the name and address of the original creditor. This means no phone calls, no letters demanding payment, and no reporting the debt to credit bureaus while verification is pending.
What counts as adequate verification. The FDCPA does not prescribe an exact list of documents a collector must send. Courts have generally held that verification must be enough to confirm the debt is valid and the amount is correct. This can include an account statement from the original creditor, documentation showing the chain of ownership if the debt was sold, and confirmation of the balance including any fees or interest. A form letter restating the same amount without supporting documentation is not sufficient verification.
Consequences for non-compliance. If a collector continues collection activity after receiving your validation request — calling you, sending letters, reporting to credit bureaus, or filing a lawsuit — without first providing adequate verification, they are violating the FDCPA. Each instance of continued collection without verification is a potential violation that could support a federal lawsuit. You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages per case, plus actual damages for any harm caused, plus attorney's fees paid by the collector. To learn more about what an attorney can do in these situations, read our guide on how an FDCPA attorney can help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Validation Process
Knowing your rights is only half the equation. Consumers often lose the advantage of debt validation by making avoidable errors.
Missing the 30-day window. The most critical mistake. You have 30 days from the date you receive the collector's initial validation notice to send your written dispute. If you miss this deadline, the collector can presume the debt is valid and continue collection without providing verification. The 30-day period doesn't eliminate your right to dispute — but it removes the legal requirement for the collector to stop collection activity while they respond.
Sending the letter by regular mail. If you drop your validation letter in a regular mailbox with no tracking, you have no proof the collector received it. When a collector later claims they never got your letter, your word alone won't hold up. Always use USPS certified mail with return receipt requested. The few extra dollars create the paper trail that protects you.
Using vague language. A letter that says "I don't think I owe this" without citing §1692g, without identifying the account, or without specifically requesting validation may not trigger the collector's legal obligations. Be explicit: reference the statute, identify the account, and state clearly that you are requesting validation.
Acknowledging the debt. Never say "I know I owe this, but..." or "I can't afford to pay" in your validation letter. Any acknowledgment that the debt is yours can be used against you — and in some states, it can restart the statute of limitations on the debt itself. Treat the debt as "alleged" throughout your letter.
Ignoring the collector's response. If the collector sends verification, review it carefully. Check that the amount matches what they originally claimed, that the creditor name is correct, and that the documentation actually supports the debt. If the verification is incomplete or inconsistent, that may itself be a violation. If you're unsure what the response means, consult an attorney.
When to Contact an FDCPA Attorney
Some situations call for more than a letter. Here are the clearest signs that you need legal help:
The collector ignored your validation request and kept collecting. If you sent a timely validation letter via certified mail and the collector continued calling, sending letters, or reporting the debt to credit bureaus without providing verification, that's a violation of §1692g(b). This is one of the most straightforward FDCPA claims an attorney can pursue.
The collector's verification doesn't add up. If they sent you a response but the documentation is incomplete, the amount doesn't match, the creditor name is different, or they simply restated the balance without supporting records, the "verification" may be legally insufficient.
You're being sued on a debt you disputed. If a collector files a lawsuit against you for a debt they never validated, an FDCPA attorney can challenge the lawsuit and pursue counterclaims for the validation violation.
You're experiencing other FDCPA violations alongside the validation issue. Collectors who ignore validation requests often break other rules too — calling at prohibited hours, threatening arrest, contacting your employer, or lying about what you owe. An attorney can evaluate your full situation and identify every violation. For guidance on finding the right legal representation, see our guide on how to choose the right FDCPA attorney.
Under the FDCPA, attorney's fees are paid by the collector, not by you. Most FDCPA attorneys — including Hyslip Legal — handle these cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover damages on your behalf. If you believe your validation rights have been violated, contact us for a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Validation Letters
What is a debt validation letter?
A debt validation letter is a written request you send to a debt collector asking them to prove that a debt is legitimate and that they have the right to collect it. Under FDCPA §1692g, you have 30 days from receiving the collector's initial notice to send this request. Once received, the collector must stop collection activity until they provide adequate verification.
What happens if a debt collector ignores my validation request?
If you sent a timely validation letter via certified mail and the collector continues calling, sending demand letters, or reporting the debt to credit bureaus without providing verification, they are violating federal law. You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages and attorney's fees. The collector pays those fees — not you.
Do I still owe the debt after sending a validation letter?
A validation letter does not eliminate or reduce the debt. It requires the collector to prove the debt exists and the amount is accurate before they continue collecting. If the collector provides valid verification, you may still owe the debt. If they cannot verify it, they must stop collecting — but the underlying obligation may still exist with the original creditor.
Can I send a debt validation letter after the 30-day period?
You can dispute a debt at any time. However, the special protections of §1692g — specifically, the collector's obligation to stop all collection activity until they verify the debt — only apply if you send your dispute within 30 days of receiving the initial validation notice. After 30 days, the collector can presume the debt is valid and continue collection while they respond.
Is a debt validation letter the same as a cease and desist letter?
No. A debt validation letter asks the collector to prove the debt is real. A cease and desist letter tells the collector to stop contacting you entirely. They serve different purposes. A validation letter keeps the door open for the collector to verify and continue legitimate collection. A cease and desist shuts down all communication except notice of specific legal actions. Many consumers benefit from understanding both tools — for a broader look at your options, see our guide on how to stop debt collection harassment.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Hyslip Legal, LLC. Every situation is unique, and individual results may vary — past outcomes do not guarantee future results. Contact Hyslip Legal for a free consultation to discuss your specific circumstances.
Last Updated: February 2026