How To Write A Debt Verification Letter

One in three Americans currently have a debt that’s in the hands of a debt collector. Some of these individuals know they owe a debt, while others have likely forgotten about what they owe. If you get approached or called out by a collector, you may be wondering – how can I tell if the collector’s allegations are legitimate? If you know how to write a debt verification letter, then you can verify whether your debt collector’s claims are true or not. After all, the last thing you want to do is accept responsibility for a debt that you either don’t owe anymore or never owed at all. Learn everything you need to know about a debt validation letter so you can ensure you’re getting treated fairly by collectors right here.

What is a Debt Verification Letter?

At its core, a debt verification letter aims to prove that a past balance is owed by the person receiving the letter. The letter should include key details like how much the person owes, where the debt came from, and how old the debt is. If you are the person who owes a debt, then you can send a debt verification letter out to the collector. That business must respond with proof of their claims. This holds true whether you owe a personal or business debt.

Why You Might Need a Debt Verification Letter

If you’ve ever been contacted by a debt collector, then you know exactly how unnerving it can feel. Suddenly, you’re getting a call from someone who claims that you owe them a lot of money. Not only do you likely feel that instant sense of panic, but you probably have no idea what debt they’re talking about either. In situations like this, you need a debt verification letter. That’s because you need to ensure that you’re paying back a debt you actually owe. Debt collectors are notorious for making errors, attributing debt to the wrong party, or demanding payment for debts that don’t exist at all! Even worse, a collector may attempt to get you to pay back a debt that’s legally expired (which means you don’t owe it anymore). A debt verification letter will help you understand if you’re legally obligated to pay back the sum of money or not. It will help you make an informed choice about how to move forward after hearing the debt collector’s claims, and it can help you secure your financial future. After all, if that debt is negatively impacting your credit, then verifying it and paying it off can increase your financial credit score.

Identifying the Debt Collector

Before you write your debt verification letter, you first need to identify who the debt collector is and why they’re reaching out to you. This step should be fairly simple considering that the majority of debt collection efforts are initiated when the debt collector reaches out to you. When this happens, the collector should identify themselves per the law. Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, the debt collector must tell you who they are by name. They’re also obligated to tell you that any information you provide to them will be used in an attempt to collect the debt. If they were sent by a specific collections agency, then they might need to tell you the name of the agency, too. If the collector fails to identify themselves, then take the initiative to ask. Write down the collector’s name, the name of the collection agency, and the contact information for the company. All of this information will be crucial as you craft your debt verification letter and send it out.

Asserting Dispute Claims

Sending out validation of the debt letter should be your first step if you’re considering disputing the claims the debt collector has against you. That’s because you need to gather all the information available about the alleged debt, the original company you reportedly took the debt out with, and the data the collector has, too. Once you have access to all this information, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s happening. You may also have to do a little extra research, too. For instance, if you’re adamant that you paid off your debt with the original lender, then you might have to dig up some proof of that. If you have witnesses that know you paid off your debt, then that might be able to be used as evidence, too. Along with your debt validation letter, you might also want to request a copy of your credit report. You should look to see if the current debt is listed on your report. You can also take this as an opportunity to look for any other errors in your report. You can then submit your debt dispute directly to the credit agency, or send off your debt validation letter. Once the letter is sent and the collection agency responds, you’ll have the opportunity to move forward with the dispute.

Setting a Response Deadline

When you send your debt verification letter to a collection agency, you expect a prompt response. After all, the collector has likely been contacting you with the intent of getting you to respond. Unfortunately, the law is not on your side when it comes to this matter. Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, creditors do not have any set deadline by which to respond to a validation letter. In fact, they have the power to keep you uncertain about your debt up until the statute of limitations on that debt expires. If you’re worried about getting ghosted, then you can for a timely response in the letter. Beyond that, however, there’s not much you can do to force a response.

Maintaining Records & Proof

One thing you might want to mention within your letter is your intent to maintain records and seek out proof of the collection agency’s claims against you. Any response to the verification letter can and should be used by you as documentation and proof of the agent’s claims. If you later go on to dispute the allegations or produce proof to invalidate the agency’s arguments, then you’ll want their original debt verification letter to help you formulate your dispute.

Negotiating a Settlement

Another thing you may want to consider when writing your letter is whether you intend to negotiate the settlement. Not every sample debt verification letter will include this information but if you’re certain that you owe the debt and you’re also confident that you’ll want to negotiate, then it’s not a bad idea to start out your interaction with the agency in the best possible way. So, are you asking yourself — how do I write a debt verification letter? Learn what to include in your letter below.

What to Include in Your Debt Verification Letter

Are you hoping to send out a letter to a collector? If so, then there are certain elements that you should include in your letter. They are: • Your name • Your address • The date you’re sending off the letter • The name and contact details of the debt collection agency Do you need more detailed information? Learn more below.

Debt Validation Letter Template and Downloadable Link

Download Debt Validation Letter Template

Does the letter you sent match up with the debt validation letter sample above?

Did your collector respond with a valid letter including the details requested? If not, then you need to take a closer look at the document. Look for any spelling errors and do a quick online search of the debt collection company that sent it over. If you notice any red flags, then you could be dealing with a scammer.

How to Write a Debt Verification Letter and Read it Like a Pro

Now that you know how to write a debt verification letter, you’ll have an easier time determining whether a debt collector’s claims against you are valid or not. If you request a copy of a debt verification letter from a collector, then they’re legally obligated to comply. If they won’t accept your requests for the letter, then you can rest assured that the collector’s allegations are either illegitimate or they’re breaking the law by failing to provide you with proof. Are you currently struggling with more debt than you feel like you can handle? Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have no hope or few options. Head over to our debt relief page to learn more about whether you qualify for our debt relief program.