A collector has to prove the debt is yours, owed by you, and calculated correctly — if you ask in time. These guides explain the 30-day validation window, what to send, what counts as proof when the reply arrives, and what to do when a collector never validates.
The debt validation 30-day window starts with the collector's notice. Learn what to send, when the clock starts and what pausing collection means.
Use this free medical debt validation letter template to make a collector prove the bill is yours, correctly itemized and legally collectible.
What counts as debt validation under the FDCPA? See what collectors must send, what courts accept as proof and what is not enough. Check yours.
If a collector didn't validate your debt, collection must stay paused. Learn how to follow up in writing, complain to the CFPB and dispute reports.
Debt validation vs verification confuses everyone. See how the FDCPA uses both terms, how FCRA verification differs and which letter to send.