Before paying a penny to a debt collector, make sure the debt is yours. Debt collectors are obligated by law to issue you a debt validation letter that details the debt, the amount owed, and other details.
Are you thinking why do you need debt validation letter or debt verification letter? Continue reading this post…
If you’re still unsure about the debt you’re being asked to pay, you can write a debt verification letter to the debt collector. This letter is to be sent for asking about more information. This is the best alternative if you intend to pay the bill in collections.
Review the debt validation letter
As per “The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” collectors send you a written debt verification letter. This letter includes all the valid information about the debt they’re trying to collect. Within five days of the initial communication, it must be sent.
- The amount owed is included in the debt confirmation letter.
- The name of the creditor owed money.
- A statement from the collector that the debt is presumed valid unless you contest it within 30 days of the initial contact.
- A declaration stating the debt collector will verify the debt by mail if you write to dispute the claim or request more information within 30 days.
- A statement that the collector must share information about the original creditor within 30 days if you request it.
Request a validation notice from the debt collector the following time you’re contacted if you haven’t received one within ten days of the first contact. If you want to receive a debt verification letter, ask for the debt collector’s postal address at this time.
Write a letter of debt verification.
- You may recall many more questions than answers after reading the validation letter.
- In that case, you can obtain a verification letter — or if you never received a validation notification — to prove that the debt is yours.
Verification letters are most useful in the following situations:
- If you’re dealing with a ruthless debt collector, a debt verification letter can halt collection operations and discourage debt collectors who don’t have enough information.
- If you plan to pay back the debt: You may need further information to resolve the account and ensure you’re paying the proper collector for the right debt.
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