You can ask a debt collector to show that a debt is valid. This is based on a law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

In your letter, ask for:

• Proof the debt is yours, like a signed contract or account statements,
• The name and contact information of the original creditor, and
• A breakdown of how they calculated the amount you owe.

You can use the Debt Collector Letter Easy Form to create your letter.

If you can, send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt. This gives you proof they got it.

After the debt collector gets your request, they must stop contacting you until they send you the information you asked for.

⚡ Act fast. You have 30 days after you receive your first notice from the debt collector to request documents validating the debt.