Is debt validation a good idea?

Asked by: Gerson Ratke  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)

And sometimes someone is trying to scam you. That's why it's important to verify your debts with the proper documentation, such as a debt validation letter. Doing so can protect you from scammers, prevent debt collectors from pestering you and keep you from paying money you don't owe.

What is the success rate of debt validation?

For this reason, DV has become a popular solution to reduce and even eliminate debts. In fact, it has been successful in stopping collection activities about 80% of the time.

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors?

Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.

Do debt validation letters really work?

Yes it does actually work. Collectors rarely actually validate the debt because most of the debts in fact are not valid. Some just back off because receiving a well worded debt validation letter means you have consulted the FDCPA (or at least a good debt/credit forum) and know what you're doing.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

DEBT VALIDATION VS DEBT VERIFICATION| WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?

19 related questions found

How to outsmart a debt collector?

6 steps for dealing with a debt collector
  1. Don't give in to pressure to pay on first contact. ...
  2. Gather the facts. ...
  3. Know your rights around communicating with debt collectors. ...
  4. Submit a complaint if the debt collector violates your rights. ...
  5. Never ignore a court summons for debt collection.

How to legally beat debt collectors?

Here are a few suggestions that might work in your favor:
  1. Write a letter disputing the debt. You have 30 days after receiving a collection notice to dispute a debt in writing. ...
  2. Dispute the debt on your credit reports. ...
  3. Lodge a complaint. ...
  4. Respond to a lawsuit. ...
  5. Hire an attorney.

What happens if you never received a debt validation letter?

If a debt collector doesn't send you a debt validation letter, they are violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you still believe the debt isn't yours to pay, you can send a debt verification letter to dispute it.

What debt collectors don't want you to know?

5 Things Debt Collectors Don't Want You to Know
  • Sometimes you can't be sued. ...
  • Your debt may have been sold or stolen. ...
  • Your credit report won't be squeaky clean after you pay. ...
  • If a collector breaks the rules, you can report it. ...
  • Being sued for debt doesn't mean you'll lose.

Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency?

Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency? Your rights are the same as if you were dealing with the original creditor. If you do not believe you should pay the debt, for example, if a debt is stature barred or prescribed, then you can dispute the debt.

What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.

What is the golden rule of debt?

In the golden rule, a budget deficit and an increase in public debt is allowed if and only if the public debt is used to finance public investment.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

What are the dangers of debt review?

Debt review extends the period of repayment, often significantly. This means that you will be committing to a long-term plan that may last several years. While this can make your monthly payments more manageable, it also means you will be in debt for a more extended period.

How long does a debt collector have to validate a debt?

Validating the Debt

Within 5 days of being contacted by a debt collector, the collector must provide a written notice with information about the debt. The debt collector may instead include this information in the initial communication.

What is the average debt recovery rate?

Private counterparts have an overall default rate of 3.56%, while public counterparts have a lower rate of 2.59%. Recovery rates for private contracts average 72.2%, whereas public contracts average 85.9%.

What's the worst a debt collector can do?

Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

Can debt collectors see your bank account balance?

Can debt collectors see your bank account balance or garnish your wages? Collection agencies can access your bank account, but only after a court judgment.

Why should you never pay a charge off?

Even though your card issuer "writes off" the account, you're still responsible for paying the debt. Whether you repay the amount or not, the missed payments and the charge-off will appear on your credit reports for seven years and likely cause severe credit score damage.

What are the three things debt collectors need to prove?

What does the creditor have to prove in a debt lawsuit?
  • The creditor owns your debt.
  • You are the individual who owes the debt.
  • The amount you owe is accurate.

How long does the validation period last?

(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.

What is the next step after debt validation letter?

Once you receive the debt validation information, you have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing. Failing to request verification in writing or within this time period can affect your ability to assert your rights under the debt collection rule.

What not to say to a debt collector?

If you get an unexpected call from a debt collector, here are several things you should never tell them:
  • Don't Admit the Debt. Even if you think you recognize the debt, don't say anything. ...
  • Don't provide bank account information or other personal information. ...
  • Document any agreements you reach with the debt collector.

Will a collection agency sue for $5000?

Typically, debt collectors will only pursue legal action when the amount owed is in excess of $5,000, but they can sue for less. “If they do sue, you need to show up at court,” says Lewis-Parks.

How do I get rid of debt collectors without paying?

Once you notify the debt collector in writing that you dispute the debt, as long as it is within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, the debt collector must stop trying to collect the debt until they've provided you with verification in response to your dispute.