Debt Validations

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors have to provide you with certain information about your debt, known as validation information. Generally, this information is provided in a written notice sent as the initial communication to you or within five days of their first communication with you, and it may be sent by mail or electronically.

Debt validation is not just a legal right; it’s an important step in ensuring that you are only held accountable for debts that are legitimately yours. It involves a two-way communication process: you requesting verification of the debt and the collector providing validation. This interaction is governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which sets the rules for how debt collectors must operate and what they are required to prove. 

 Requesting debt verification is particularly relevant in the following situations:

• Unknown debt claims: If a debt collector contacts you about a debt you don’t recognize, it’s important to request verification. This can happen due to mistaken identity, a clerical error, or fraudulent activity.
• Old debts resurfacing: Sometimes, collectors will attempt to collect on old debts that have already been settled or are past the statute of limitations in your state. Requesting verification ensures you’re not paying for something you no longer owe.
• Discrepancies in debt amount: If the amount the collector claims you owe doesn’t match your records, a verification request can clarify and potentially correct these discrepancies.
• Frequent debt collector changes: When your debt is passed from one collector to another, details can get lost or altered. Verifying the debt each time a new collector contacts you is a good practice.
• After a period of non-communication: If there’s been a long period without communication about a debt and suddenly a collector re-emerges, it’s wise to verify the debt to ensure its legitimacy.