Debt Validation Letter in Massachusetts
Ask a debt collector to prove a debt. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), if you dispute in writing within the validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy.
What Massachusetts law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. A creditor, the creditor's attorney, or an assignee collecting a consumer debt may not do so in an unfair, deceptive or unreasonable manner, including telling third parties about the debt, contacting the debtor after being told the debtor has a lawyer, harassment, or using forms that look like court papers. Violations count as unfair or deceptive practices under the Consumer Protection Act (c. 93A). This applies to original creditors. Source: M.G.L. c. 93, § 49 |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for contract actions, express or implied, written or oral. 20 years for contracts under seal. § 1: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section1 Source: M.G.L. c. 260, § 2; c. 260, § 1 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | An acknowledgment or new promise extends the time to sue on a contract only if it is made in, or contained in, a writing signed by the person who owes the debt. Source: M.G.L. c. 260, § 13 |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [collection agency name], [collector address]
Re: Account number [account or reference number]
I am writing in response to your [letter or call] dated [date of contact]. I dispute this debt and request validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please send me the name of the original creditor, the amount you claim and how it was calculated, and documents showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt.
Until you provide this verification, please stop collection activity on this account, and contact me only in writing at the address below.
[your name], [your mailing address]
Debt Validation Letter for other states · Massachusetts tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.