Collection letters
What to do after receiving a debt collection letter
A plain-language first step guide for consumers who just received a debt collection letter and are not sure what to do next.
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Learn how to fight back.
Practical, consumer-first explainers for people who received a debt collection letter, validation notice, or confusing collector paperwork.
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Focused explainers for the most common questions people ask after receiving collector letters, validation notices, and related debt paperwork.
Collection lettersFirst-step pages for people who received a debt collection letter and are unsure what it means.Debt validationPages explaining validation notices, written disputes, verification, and the 30-day validation window.Certified mailExecution-focused pages for mailing debt response letters and keeping proof.Scam checksPages for people trying to tell whether a collector, call, text, email, or letter is real.ComplaintsPages that help consumers document collection problems and understand CFPB, FTC, and state complaint routes.Credit reportsEducation for collection accounts, credit-report disputes, and when validation differs from bureau disputes.Court papersHigh-caution pages for summons, complaints, court deadlines, and when to seek legal help.CollectorsCollector-specific pages based on search demand, public complaint data, support requests, and intake data.Notice languagePages that explain exact phrases people see on collection letters and validation notices.Original creditorsPages for users who recognize a bank, card issuer, lender, or store-card brand but not the collector contacting them.
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Collection letters
How to respond to a debt collection letter
A practical response workflow for collection letters, from reading the notice to preparing a written debt validation request.
Read pageDebt validation
Debt validation letter: what it is and when to send one
Learn what a debt validation letter is, when consumers often use one, and what information to gather before sending a written request.
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Do you need a debt validation letter because the amount or account number looks wrong?
What to do when a debt collector's amount, account number, creditor name, or balance does not match what you recognize.
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How to ask a debt collector for proof of debt
A plain-English guide to asking a debt collector for proof, validation information, itemization, and creditor details.
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Do you need to verify a debt before deciding what to do next?
How to slow down a confusing debt collection situation and request verification before paying, calling back, or sharing more information.
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