Debt validation notice

A debt validation notice is a written notice a debt collector must give you about a debt. It must come in the first contact or within 5 days after. It helps you check that the debt is yours and the amount is right.

The notice must say it's from a debt collector. It names the creditor, gives the account number if there is one, and lists the current amount. It also breaks down interest, fees, payments, and credits, and gives an end date for a 30-day dispute period.

If you dispute the debt in writing within those 30 days, the collector must pause collecting the disputed amount until it sends you verification. For example, say a notice lists $1,200, but your bill was $950 and you paid $200. You'd expect $750, so you'd dispute the $450 difference in writing. Our guide to medical bills in collections explains your other rights.