// 07 — FDCPA section 1692g validation
VALIDATION
// content FDCPA debt validation letter
Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. section 1692g), you have 30 days from the collection agency's first contact to request debt validation. If they cannot validate with proper documentation, they must cease collection and remove the tradeline.
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR CITY, STATE ZIP]
[DATE]
[COLLECTION AGENCY NAME]
[COLLECTION AGENCY ADDRESS]
RE: Request for Debt Validation
Account: [ACCOUNT NUMBER]
Original Creditor: [HEALTHCARE PROVIDER NAME]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am requesting validation of the above-referenced debt
pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1692g.
I dispute this debt and request that you provide the
following documentation:
1. The original signed contract or agreement authorizing
this debt.
2. The name and address of the original creditor.
3. A detailed accounting of the amount claimed, including
all charges, fees, and interest.
4. Proof that you are licensed to collect in my state.
5. Proof that the Statute of Limitations has not expired.
If you cannot provide this documentation, I demand that
you cease all collection activity, remove this account
from all credit reporting agencies, and confirm in
writing that you have done so.
This request is made within 30 days of your initial
communication, and all collection activities must cease
until you provide the requested validation.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
FDCPA validation key points
- Send within 30 days of the agency's first letter
- Send via certified mail with return receipt
- Collection must cease until validated
- Many agencies cannot produce the original agreement
- If they don't respond, dispute with the bureaus for unverifiable
- Keep the green return-receipt card as proof