If you’ve ever questioned whether a debt collector truly has the right to pursue you for payment, you’re not alone—and you’re not without power. One of the most effective tools consumers have under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the right to request debt validation. But what happens if the creditor or collector can’t validate the debt? The short answer: they lose the legal right to collect it. In this post, we’ll break down what debt validation means, how the process works, and what your next steps should be if a collector fails to prove the debt is legitimate.

What Is Debt Validation?

Debt validation is your legal right to request that a debt collector provide proof that:

• The debt is yours

• The amount is accurate

• They have the legal authority to collect it

Under the FDCPA, you have 30 days from the first contact with a debt collector to request this validation in writing.

Once your request is received, the collector must pause all collection activity—including phone calls and letters—until they can provide sufficient evidence that the debt is valid and that they have the right to collect it.

What Counts as “Proper Validation”?

Not all validation is created equal. A vague statement that you “owe money” isn’t enough.

Proper debt validation typically includes:

• A copy of the original agreement or contract

• A detailed accounting of the balance owed

• Proof of assignment (showing the debt was legally transferred to the collector)

• Documentation that the collector is legally authorized to collect the debt in your state

If a collector fails to produce these, they are not allowed to continue pursuing the debt.

What Happens When They Can’t Validate the Debt?

If a collector cannot validate the debt, here’s what you can expect:

1. They Must Cease Collection Efforts

Under federal law, a collector cannot legally continue attempting to collect the debt unless and until they validate it. That includes:

• Calling you

• Sending collection letters

• Reporting the debt to credit bureaus

Failure to stop may be a violation of the FDCPA, opening the door for you to pursue legal action.

2. They Cannot Sue You

Collectors must be able to prove the debt in court. If they can’t validate it, they lack the documentation to sue you successfully. If they try anyway, they risk losing the case—or being countersued.

3. You May Be Entitled to Damages

If a collector continues to contact you without validation, you may be entitled to:

• Up to $1,000 in statutory damages

• Compensation for emotional distress or lost wages

• Attorney’s fees

Common Reasons Collectors Fail to Validate Debts

Not all collectors have the proper paperwork. Here’s why:

• The debt is too old, and documentation has been lost or destroyed

• The original creditor sold the debt without a full file

• The collector purchased the debt in bulk and lacks account-specific information

• The debt never belonged to you (common in cases of identity theft or clerical error)

• The collector is scamming you and never had any legal standing in the first place

Real-Life Example:

A Credo Legal client received repeated calls from a collector about a $3,500 credit card balance from nearly a decade ago. We immediately sent a validation request. The collector provided a one-page summary with no original documents. We filed a cease-and-desist and escalated the case, and within weeks, the collector backed off and the account was removed from the client’s credit report.

What If the Debt Is Reported on My Credit Report?

If the collector has reported the debt to a credit bureau without validating it, you can file a dispute under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The bureau has 30 days to investigate and verify the information. If the collector can’t validate the debt, it must be removed from your report.

Credo Legal can help handle this process on your behalf, ensuring that all legal timelines and documentation are handled properly.

What Should You Do Next?

If a debt collector contacts you and you believe the debt is invalid—or you simply want to verify it before taking any action—follow these steps:

1. Do not admit to the debt or make a payment.

Doing so may reset the statute of limitations and make the debt legally collectible again.

2. Send a written validation request within 30 days.

Use certified mail and keep copies for your records.

3. Document all communication.

Keep a log of phone calls, letters, and emails.

4. Check your credit report.

Monitor for any changes or negative reporting related to the disputed debt.

5. Contact a legal professional.

If the collector continues harassing you or tries to sue without proper documentation, legal help is your best defense.

How Credo Legal Can Help

At Credo Legal, we specialize in helping clients:

• Submit proper debt validation requests

• Dispute unverified or time-barred debts

• Fight back against collectors who violate consumer protection laws

• Pursue compensation when your rights have been violated

Our mission is to ensure that no one pays a debt they don’t legally owe—and that your credit and peace of mind are protected in the process.

Conclusion

Debt collectors must play by the rules. If they can’t prove you owe the debt, they have no right to collect it—and you have the right to walk away. With the help of Credo Legal, you can challenge invalid debts and move forward with clarity and confidence.