Debt Validation
A consumer's right under FDCPA §809(b) to demand a collector produce documentation proving the debt.
Debt validation is the consumer's right under FDCPA §809(b) to require a debt collector to produce documentation proving: (1) the debt is owed, (2) in the amount claimed, (3) by the specific consumer being contacted. The validation request must be made within 30 days of the collector's initial contact.
Required validation documents: the original creditor's name and address, the chain of debt ownership (assignment agreements proving the collector has the right to collect), an itemized accounting of the balance (principal vs interest vs fees), and the original signed agreement when the debt was first incurred.
Many collectors — especially those handling old or sold debt — cannot produce all of this documentation. When validation fails, the FDCPA prohibits further collection efforts. Pair a validation request with an FCRA §611 dispute to remove the mark from the credit report entirely.
Also called
Related terms
Federal law that regulates debt collectors. Gives consumers the right to demand validation of debts.
A debt that has been turned over to a collection agency, typically appearing as a separate account on credit reports.
FCRA §611(a)(1) requires bureaus to investigate disputed items within 30 days. The bedrock dispute provision.
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