How do I ask a debt collector for proof of debt?
Essentially, you’re asking the collector to provide additional information that verifies the debt is accurate and yours. When writing the letter, request that the collection agency or creditor provide you with: Documentation that you owed the debt at some point, such as a contract you signed.
How do I request a validation letter for a debt?
Under the Fair Debt collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I have the right to request validation of the debt you say I owe you. I am requesting proof that I am indeed the party you are asking to pay this debt, and there is some contractual obligation that is binding on me to pay this debt.
What qualifies as debt verification?
“Verification of a debt involves nothing more than the debt collector confirming in writing that the amount being demanded is what the creditor is claiming is owed; the debt collector is not required to keep detailed files of the alleged debt.”
What happens if a debt collector does not validate debt?
By law the collector has to notify you that you are entitled to ask for a validation of the debt within 5 days of contacting you about you owing money. If they ignore you, you can sue them in small claims court for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Should I ask for proof of debt?
If you’re sure the debt is nothing to do with you, contact the creditor and tell them. If they insist you do owe the debt, ask them to provide proof, for example a copy of the original agreement.
What is the difference between debt validation and debt verification?
What Is a Debt Verification Letter? While a debt validation letter provides information about the debt the collection agency claims you owe, a verification letter must prove it. In other words, if the collection agency doesn’t have enough evidence to prove you owe it, their hands may be tied.
How long do debt collectors have to verify debt?
within 30 days
That if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days the debt collector will provide verification of the debt. That if you request the name and address of the original creditor within 30 days, if different from the current creditor, the debt collector will provide you that information.
Can I sue for false debt collection?
Yes, you may be able to sue a debt collector or a debt collection agency if it engages in abusive, deceptive, or unfair behavior. A debt collector is generally someone who buys a debt from a creditor who, for whatever reason, has been unable to collect from a consumer.
Is a debt written off after 6 years?
For most debts, if you’re liable your creditor has to take action against you within a certain time limit. For most debts, the time limit is 6 years since you last wrote to them or made a payment. The time limit is longer for mortgage debts.
Should I send a debt verification letter?
Debt collectors are legally required to send you a debt validation letter, which outlines what the debt is, how much you owe and other information. If you’re still uncertain about the debt you’re being asked to pay, you can send the debt collector a debt verification letter requesting more information.
How long does a debt collector have to verify a debt?
That if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days the debt collector will provide verification of the debt That if you request the name and address of the original creditor within 30 days, if different from the current creditor, the debt collector will provide you that information.
When to send a debt validation letter to a collection agency?
Within 30 days of learning about the debt, send a debt validation letter via certified mail to the collection agency. Sending it certified is very important as it gives you have proof of your request. You should also keep a copy of the letter on file. Check out our sample debt validation letters.
Do I have a legal right to get my debt verified?
If debt collectors are contacting you about your debts, you have a legal right to obtain verification of the debt. Debt verification is a consumer’s legal right to request information from a debt collector about the debt that is being collected. Debt collectors must abide by federal laws in responding to your request for verification.
What information do I need to provide to verify a debt?
I am requesting that you provide verification of this debt. The name and address of the original creditor, the account number, and the amount owed. Verification that there is a valid basis for claiming I am required to pay the current amount owed.