Debt Validation Letter in West Virginia
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 West Virginia law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The debt collection article of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act applies to any 'debt collector,' defined as any person engaging directly or indirectly in debt collection, which includes creditors collecting their own consumer debts (attorneys handling collections in their own name are excluded). Section amended 2025 (HB 3162). Source: W. Va. Code 46A-2-122(d) |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for an action on a contract in writing signed by the person being sued (or their agent), or under seal. Source: W. Va. Code 55-2-6 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | A promise to pay in a writing signed by the debtor (or agent), or a written acknowledgment from which a promise to pay can be implied, starts a new limitations period measured from the promise. An oral promise does not. The effect of a payment alone was not addressed in the section read. Source: W. Va. Code 55-2-8 |
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 · West Virginia 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.