When to use it
- A collector contacted you about a debt you do not recognize.
- The amount, creditor, account number, or ownership history does not match your records.
- You are inside the 30-day written dispute window after receiving validation information.
Before sending
- Confirm the collector name and mailing address from the letter you received.
- Attach copies of supporting documents only if they help your dispute.
- Send by a trackable method and keep a copy of everything.
Template
Editable text
[Your name] [Your mailing address] [City, state ZIP] [Date] [Debt collector name] [Debt collector mailing address] Re: [Account or reference number] To whom it may concern: I am writing about the debt you contacted me about on [date]. I dispute this debt and request validation or verification of the debt. Please provide the validation information required for this debt, including the name of the creditor, the amount of the debt, and information showing that I am responsible for it. If this dispute is timely under the 30-day validation period, please pause collection activity on the disputed debt until you provide written verification. This letter is a dispute and request for information. It is not a payment agreement. Sincerely, [Your name]