FEDERAL LAW · PRE-VERIFIED
Debt Validation Letter — 30-Day Window
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act · 15 U.S.C. § 1692g
✓ VERIFIED
Within 30 days of a collector's first contact, you can demand written verification of the debt. The collector must stop collection until they send you proof. A mere dunning letter restating the amount is insufficient under most courts.
Primary Statute
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
15 U.S.C. § 1692g
Section 809 requires collectors to send written notice within 5 days of first contact stating the debt amount, the name of the creditor, and advising that the consumer has 30 days to dispute the debt. If disputed within 30 days in writing, the collector must cease collection until verification is mailed.
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-debt-collection-practices-act