Debt Validation Letter in New York
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 New York law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. General Business Law Article 29-H applies to principal creditors (including original creditors) and their agents collecting consumer debts. It bars posing as law enforcement, collecting fees not legally owed, contacting an employer before judgment (unless the debtor agreed to a wage assignment), harassment, threatening actions not normally taken, simulating legal process, and using social media to collect. Source: N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law §§ 600, 601 |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for contract actions generally. But a lawsuit against a consumer arising from a consumer credit transaction (such as a credit card or consumer loan) must be brought within 3 years. CPLR 213: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/213. CPLR 214-i was added by the Consumer Credit Fairness Act (2021) and does not apply where UCC Article 2 or certain other provisions govern. Source: N.Y. CPLR 213(2); CPLR 214-i |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | For consumer credit debts, once the 3-year period expires, a later payment, affirmation of the debt or other activity does not revive or extend it. For other contract claims, only a written, signed acknowledgment or promise can take a claim out of the limitations period; the effect of a payment is left to other law. GOL 17-101: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/17-101 |
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]
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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.