What is a Written Debt Validation Notice?

A written debt violation notice is a formal letter informing a consumer that a debt collector will be pursuing an alleged debt. If a debt collector contacts you without first sending you a written debt validation notice, he or she is in violation of the FDCPA.

What’s Included in a Written Debt Validation Notice?

A debt validation notice must contain information regarding your debt. Here are some things you’ll typically find in a validation notice:

• The amount of the alleged-owed debt
• The name (or company name) of the original creditor
• A statement saying that the consumer will assume the debt’s validity if he or she doesn’t respond within 30 days
• Correct identification of the original creditor

If you receive a debt validation letter that’s not for you, that’s for a debt that you already paid off, for a debt that’s more than three years old, or is higher than the original debt you owed, the debt collection agency may be in violation of the FDCPA.

Speak With an FDCPA Attorney

Receiving a debt validation notice in the mail can feel scary, but you have a limited time to respond so it’s important to act as quickly as possible. If you need help with your FDCPA claim, you should speak with a consumer attorney. Your creditor harassment attorney can help determine if the FDCPA was violated, and if you are entitled to any damages as a result.