Debt Validation Letter in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island law says

State debt collection law	Yes. The Rhode Island Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 19-14.9) restricts communications, harassment, false or misleading statements and unfair practices. It covers third-party debt collectors and creditors that collect their own debts under a name suggesting a third party; a creditor's own employees collecting in the creditor's name are excluded. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 19-14.9-3
Time limit to sue on a written contract	10 years. Rhode Island's general civil limitations period covers contract claims, written or oral. Contracts under seal have 20 years. Sealed contracts: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-17.htm Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-13(a); 9-1-17

State debt collection law

Yes. The Rhode Island Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 19-14.9) restricts communications, harassment, false or misleading statements and unfair practices. It covers third-party debt collectors and creditors that collect their own debts under a name suggesting a third party; a creditor's own employees collecting in the creditor's name are excluded.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 19-14.9-3

Time limit to sue on a written contract

10 years. Rhode Island's general civil limitations period covers contract claims, written or oral. Contracts under seal have 20 years.

Sealed contracts: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-17.htm

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-13(a); 9-1-17

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.