Interactive tool

Debt Validation Letter

Ask a debt collector to prove a debt is yours before you deal with it. It assembles as you type and cites your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Free, unlimited, and never saved.

About you

This is the return address and name on the letter, exactly as it should read.

Full name Street address

City State ZIP

The collector

Copy the agency name and address from the collection notice you received.

Collection agency name Agency address

The alleged debt

Account or reference number optional Amount they claim optional

Original creditor optional The company the debt started with, if you know it. Date they first contacted you optional Within the last 30 days? Your letter adds the right to pause collection.

Why do you doubt this debt?

Pick the closest reason. You can request validation either way.

I do not recognize this debt You have no record of this account. The amount looks wrong The balance does not match your own records. I already paid or settled this You believe this debt is resolved. This debt is very old It may be past the point where it can be collected. This may not be mine It could be a mix-up or identity theft. I want proof before paying You can ask for validation before paying.

What to ask for

Ask them to pause collection until they validate the debt If they report it to a credit bureau, it must be marked disputed

Your privacy

Nothing you enter is saved or sent to us. It stays in your browser and disappears when you close the tab.

Copy pastes straight into an email or a document. Download PDF opens your print dialog.

Fill in the fields and your letter appears here.

Your letter, editable

You can edit the text above before you copy or download it.