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Within five days after a debt collector first contacts you, it must send you a written notice, called a "validation notice," that tells you (1) the amount it thinks you owe, (2) the name of the creditor, and (3) how to dispute the debt in writing.

The key is to be thorough in your request for debt verification. In your letter, ask for details on: Why the collector thinks you owe the debt: Ask who the original creditor is and request documentation that verifies you owe the debt, such as a copy of the original contract.

(5) Validation period means the period starting on the date that a debt collector provides the validation information required by paragraph (c) of this section and ending 30 days after the consumer receives or is assumed to receive the validation information.

Can I send a debt validation letter after 30 days? You can still send a debt validation letter after 30 days. However, because the 30-day period has expired, the debt is assumed valid and the collector can still come after you for payment before they respond to your letter.

However, they're required to send a debt validation letter within five days of first contacting you. If you don't receive a debt validation letter within 10 days of initial contact, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

How To Prove a Debt Isn't Yours (and Dispute It) Gather your credit reports and bank statements. Request that debt collectors contact you via mail. Send a debt validation letter within 30 days. Check the reporting limits in your state. File an official identity theft report with the FTC.

Your Right to a Validation of the Debt After receiving your request, the debt collector must provide you with information about the debt, including the amount owed and to whom it was owed. Collection activities must stop until they provide this information.