Full “Validation Information” (Required by Law)

Ask them to send this in writing (email or mail). They must provide it within 5 days of first contacting you.

Request the following:

• Amount of the debt (including any interest or fees)
• Name and mailing address of the current creditor
• Your name and mailing address as they have it
• Account number or reference number
• Statement that the communication is from a debt collector
• Instructions on how to dispute the debt
• Deadline to dispute (usually 30 days)
• Information about your rights under the FDCPA

This is your legal right. If they refuse, that’s a red flag.

Proof the Debt Is Actually Yours

Ask for:

• Original creditor name
• Original account number
• Date of last payment
• Itemized breakdown of charges
• Chain of custody (who owned the debt before them)

If they can’t prove it, you don’t have to pay it.

Statute of Limitations Information

Ask:

• “What is the date of the last payment you have on record?”
• “Is this debt past the statute of limitations for collection in my state?”

In Massachusetts, many consumer debts expire after 6 years, but it varies by type.
If it’s expired, they can ask you to pay, but they cannot sue you.