What validation information must a debt collector provide? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR sources.

Details / How it works

A debt collector must provide validation information either by sending a validation notice (in the initial communication or within five days of it, in the manner required by § 1006.42) or by providing the information orally in the initial communication. The required content under § 1006.34(c) comprises:

• Debt collector communication disclosure – the statement required by § 1006.18(e).
• Information about the debt – the debt collector's name and dispute mailing address; the consumer's name and mailing address; the creditor to whom the debt was owed on the itemization date (if related to a consumer financial product or service); the account number or truncated version; the current creditor; the itemization date; the amount of the debt on that date; an itemization of the current amount reflecting interest, fees, payments, and credits; and the current amount of the debt.
• Information about consumer protections – the end date of the validation period with statements that a written dispute or original-creditor request on or before that date requires the collector to cease collection until verification, a judgment, or the original creditor's name and address is provided; a statement that the debt is assumed valid unless disputed; and, for debts related to a consumer financial product or service, a reference to the Bureau's website (www.cfpb.gov/debt-collection).
• Consumer-response information – segregated under the headings "How do you want to respond?" and "Check all that apply:", including the prompts "I want to dispute the debt because I think:", "This is not my debt.", "The amount is wrong.", "Other (please describe on reverse or attach additional information).", and "I want you to send me the name and address of the original creditor."

Using Model Form B-1 in Appendix B provides a safe harbor for compliance with these information and form requirements.

Numbers & thresholds

Exceptions & edge cases

• Paid debts: No validation notice is required if the consumer paid the debt before the notice would otherwise be due within five days of the initial communication.
• Residential mortgage debt: If a periodic statement is required under Regulation Z (12 CFR 1026.41) when the validation notice is given, the collector may omit paragraphs (c)(2)(vi)–(viii) if it provides the most recent periodic statement in the same communication and refers to it on the notice.
• Separate itemization page: The itemization of the current amount may appear on a separate page in the same communication, with a statement on the notice referring to that page.
• Debts not related to a consumer financial product or service: The collector must provide the information specified in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) or (c)(3)(iv).
• Form flexibility: Collectors using Model Form B-1 may omit or add permitted optional disclosures (e.g., telephone contact information, reference code, payment disclosures) and still retain safe harbor, provided required validation information remains no less prominent.