Being chased by a debt collector? You can make them prove it first.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a collector you dispute in writing within 30 days has to pause collecting the disputed debt until they mail you verification. Tell us where things stand and we'll connect you with a provider who focuses on collections for a free review.
How it works
Answer a few questions
About two minutes. Who's contacting you, what kind of debt it is, and roughly how much. No account numbers, no credit pull.
Get matched
We connect you with an independent provider who focuses on collections — a consumer-law firm, a debt settlement company or a credit repair organization, depending on your situation.
Talk it through — free
The provider reviews your notices with you, explains your options and what each one costs before you decide anything. No obligation.
Built for people who are getting collection notices and don't know what's real
Debts get sold, resold and bundled. By the time a collector calls, the paperwork behind the balance is often thin or missing. DebtValidate.com exists to help you understand the one question that matters first: can they prove this debt is yours, accurate and theirs to collect? We explain your rights in plain language and connect you with providers who deal with collectors every day. We're not a law firm and we don't collect or settle debts — we help you find the right people to talk to.
About usWherever you are with the debt, there's a next step
Pick the one that fits and we'll take you to the form.
Collection calls or letters
A collector must send you a validation notice with or within five days of first contacting you. If you dispute in writing within 30 days, collection of the disputed debt pauses until they send verification. Start here if you've just been contacted.
Start hereMy debt was sold to a collector
Debt buyers often purchase accounts in bulk with little documentation. A provider can ask them to show the chain of ownership, the original agreement and how the balance was calculated.
Start hereCollections on my credit report
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act you can dispute an account the furnisher can't verify. A credit repair organization or consumer-law firm can help you do that correctly.
Start hereI've been served court papers
Deadlines are short — don't ignore them. A collector who sues still has to prove ownership and amount. A provider can review the complaint with you right away.
Start hereBehind, but not in collections yet
If the account is still with the original creditor, validation rights don't apply yet, but hardship programs, settlement and counseling might. A provider can walk you through them.
Start hereNot sure where I stand
Bring whatever letters or statements you have. The review is free and the provider will tell you which path, if any, fits.
Start hereValidation vs. settlement — what's the difference?
| Debt validation | Debt settlement | |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Whether the collector can prove the debt is yours, accurate and theirs to collect | Whether a verified debt can be resolved for less than the balance |
| Who it applies to | Third-party collectors and debt buyers (FDCPA) | Any unsecured debt, including with the original creditor |
| Typical outcome | Collection of the disputed debt pauses until verification is mailed; unverifiable items can be disputed on your credit report | A negotiated payoff, usually in installments into a dedicated account |
| Risks to know | After 30 days the pause right lapses; a verified debt is still owed | Missed payments can affect credit; fees apply only after a debt is settled (federal rule) |
Providers often use both: validate first, then settle what's verified. Neither promises a result.
Why start here
Rights first, sales second
You'll learn what the law already gives you before anyone talks about a program.
One review, the right provider
We match on your situation — law firm, settlement, or credit repair — not on whoever pays most.
Nothing to pay us
The review is free. Any provider fees are explained to you by the provider, in writing, before you sign anything.
Know where you stand before you call a collector back
Collectors are trained to get a payment on the first call. You're allowed to slow down. Ask for everything in writing, note the date you were first contacted, and keep every letter. Then let someone who reads these notices every day look at yours.
Start my free reviewYour right under the FDCPA to require a third-party debt collector to verify a debt in writing. If you dispute within 30 days of receiving the validation notice, the collector must stop collecting the disputed debt until it mails verification.
The amount, the current creditor's name, and your right to dispute within 30 days, among other items. Since late 2021 the CFPB's Regulation F provides a model notice most collectors use.
They can't lawfully resume collecting the disputed debt until they do. If the account is on your credit report, it can be disputed under the FCRA as unverifiable. Results vary.
Generally no. The FDCPA covers third-party collectors and debt buyers, not the bank or card issuer you originally owed. Other options may apply to original-creditor debts.
You can still dispute, but the collector isn't required to pause collection while it responds. A provider can tell you what still applies.
No, but act now — court deadlines are short. A collector who sues still has to prove the debt. Don't ignore the papers.
Disputing a debt doesn't itself lower your score. If an unverifiable account is removed, your report changes accordingly.
No. We're a free matching and education site operated by Rainy Day Company LLC. Providers you're connected with are independent. If a provider is a law firm, they'll tell you so.
Nothing to use this site or for the initial review. Providers explain their own fees before you enroll. Federal rules bar debt settlement companies that telemarket from charging a fee before a debt is actually settled.
Unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, private student loans, collection accounts. Mortgages, auto loans, federal student loans, taxes and child support work differently.
We don't advise that, and a reputable provider won't either without explaining the consequences in writing. Talk it through first.
Yes. You can send a dispute letter yourself for the cost of a stamp; the CFPB publishes free sample letters. A provider helps when documents are messy, the collector pushes back, or you've been sued.
Ready to find out if they can prove it?
Free review. Two minutes. No obligation.