🛑 Debt You Don’t Recognize? Here’s the Letter to STOP It Cold If a debt shows up on your credit report — and you don’t recognize it, or you’re unsure if it’s legit — you have rights under the FDCPA to demand proof. This is where the Debt Validation Letter comes in. 📩 Use it to make collection agencies prove: You owe the debt They’re legally allowed to collect it The amount is accurate They’re reporting it lawfully ✉️ COPY + PASTE THIS DEBT VALIDATION LETTER TEMPLATE: [Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Date] [Debt Collector’s Name] [Debt Collector’s Address] Subject: Request for Debt Validation – Account #[Insert Account Number] To Whom It May Concern: I am responding to a collection notice or tradeline reported to the credit bureaus. I do not recognize this account and request that you validate the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 USC 1692g. Please provide: 1. The original creditor’s name and contact info 2. Proof that I owe the debt 3. A breakdown of the amount 4. Proof that your company is licensed to collect in my state 5. A copy of the signed agreement or contract Until you provide proper validation, you must stop all collection efforts, and this account must not be reported to any credit bureaus. This is not a refusal to pay, but a request for clarification. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Last 4 of SSN] [Phone Number] 📌 What Happens Next? 📨 After sending the letter (via certified mail): They have 30 days to respond If they fail to validate, you can dispute the debt with the bureaus You can report non-compliance to the CFPB 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Need help figuring out if a debt is legit? Drop your question or DM and I’ll guide you through it.