Frequently Asked Questions

ProofOfDebt is a documentation and template tool that helps you generate standardized letters for debt-related correspondence and keep an organized record of events. It provides fixed templates based on provisions of federal law (FDCPA and FCRA) and helps you track your correspondence timeline. ProofOfDebt references collector claims as allegations for documentation purposes. The tool does not verify accuracy or make legal determinations.

Note: ProofOfDebt focuses on documentation and record-keeping, not legal outcomes.

No. ProofOfDebt is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a licensed attorney. The tool provides standardized documentation templates only.

No. ProofOfDebt is not a credit repair service. We do not promise to remove items from your credit report, improve your credit score, or achieve any specific result. We provide documentation tools to help you request information and keep records.

ProofOfDebt provides standardized letters based on federal law, including: Debt Validation Request (FDCPA §809), Validation and Authority to Collect Request (used when a debt may have been sold or transferred), Follow-Up when validation is not received, Cease Communication Request (FDCPA §805), and Credit Bureau Dispute (FCRA §1681).

Note: The system determines which letter is appropriate based on your situation. You are not required to guess or choose between "stronger" letters.

A debt validation letter is a written request asking a debt collector to provide documentation showing that an alleged debt exists and identifying the original creditor. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), consumers have the right to request this information after being contacted by a collector.

When a debt is sold or transferred, a collector may claim that it owns the account or is authorized to collect on behalf of another company. The Validation + Authority to Collect letter requests documentation showing what authority the collector claims. Collectors often respond by stating who they purchased the account from or who they are collecting for. They are generally not required to provide contracts, licensing documents, or detailed proof in response to a validation request.

Note: This letter documents the collector's claim. It does not determine whether that claim is legally sufficient.

No. Using these templates does not guarantee any outcome. Results depend on your specific circumstances, the accuracy of the information you provide, and how the recipient responds. ProofOfDebt provides documentation tools, not legal strategies or promises.

ProofOfDebt is designed to generate documentation-focused letters, not legal demands. Some attorneys and consumer advocates use aggressive validation requests as part of a broader legal or regulatory strategy. Those approaches assume legal follow-up and are not appropriate for every situation. ProofOfDebt starts with neutral requests that create a clear written record and preserve optional escalation later. This helps avoid premature confrontation while maintaining documentation that may be useful regardless of outcome.

Letters include the alleged creditor name and alleged balance for clarity and accurate record-keeping. This information is entered exactly as represented by the collector. Including these details does not acknowledge accuracy or validity—it simply references what the collector has claimed for documentation purposes.

ProofOfDebt uses neutral, documentation-focused language to create a clean record without making legal threats or escalating prematurely. Some services use aggressive language as part of attorney-led strategy. ProofOfDebt starts with neutral documentation to keep a clean record. This approach preserves your options while avoiding premature confrontation.

For best record-keeping practices, consider sending letters via certified mail with return receipt requested (USPS). This creates documentation showing when the letter was sent and when it was received. Keep copies of everything you send. This is educational guidance for record-keeping, not legal advice.

When a debt is sold or transferred to a new collector, that new collector is treated as a new alleged claimant. ProofOfDebt compiles a new validation request for the new collector, which may include an authority-to-collect request if the debt has been previously handled by another collector.

Note: Each collector must be documented separately. Previous disputes with a different collector do not automatically apply.

In some cases, a collector may stop collecting and return payments. This does not necessarily mean the debt was resolved or extinguished. If a different collector later contacts you, ProofOfDebt treats this as a new collection attempt and compiles documentation requests accordingly.

Note: Returned payments do not always indicate the debt is resolved. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.

If a collector does not respond to your validation request, this non-response is documented in your case timeline. However, non-response does not eliminate the debt or mean the debt is invalid. It simply means the collector did not provide the requested documentation within the expected timeframe.

Collectors often restate the balance and creditor name only in response to validation requests. This is a common response and documents the collector's claim. It does not constitute substantive validation with detailed documentation. ProofOfDebt records this response type for your records.

A statement that the collector purchased or was assigned the account asserts their authority to collect. This is a claim by the collector, not proof of the underlying debt. ProofOfDebt records this response type but does not evaluate whether it is legally sufficient.

No. ProofOfDebt does not decide what constitutes sufficient validation. It documents what was sent and what was received. If you have questions about whether a collector's response is adequate, consult a licensed attorney.

Debt validation (FDCPA) and credit reporting (FCRA) are separate processes. A collector can validate a debt while also reporting it to credit bureaus. If you believe the credit report entry is inaccurate, you may separately dispute it with the credit bureaus. Validation does not automatically affect credit reporting.

Note: Credit reporting and debt collection are related but separate processes.

A collector's failure to respond to a validation request does not automatically remove items from your credit report. Credit bureaus maintain reports based on information furnished to them. If the furnisher has not updated or removed the entry, it may remain. You can separately dispute inaccurate items with the credit bureaus.

When a debt is sold, the new owner may report it to credit bureaus. This can result in entries from both the original creditor and subsequent collectors. If you believe information is being reported inaccurately or duplicated, you may dispute with the credit bureaus. ProofOfDebt documents these scenarios but does not determine what is permissible.

Returned payments do not always mean a debt was resolved. The debt may have been sold or transferred to another party who then reports it. Each new collector or owner is treated as a new alleged claimant. ProofOfDebt compiles separate documentation for each collector and allows you to dispute credit reporting separately.

Note: Consult an attorney if you have questions about the validity of ongoing collection or reporting.

The three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—operate independently. They do not share dispute information with each other. If an item appears on reports from multiple bureaus, it is typically disputed separately with each bureau reporting the information.

Note: ProofOfDebt compiles separate letters for each bureau you select to ensure proper documentation.

When you send a dispute to a credit bureau, they are required to investigate within 30 days (45 days in some cases). The bureau contacts the furnisher (the company that reported the information) to verify accuracy. The bureau then reports the investigation results to you.

Note: This is a documentation request, not a guarantee of removal or correction.

A furnisher is a company that reports information to credit bureaus. This includes creditors, collection agencies, and other entities that provide account data. When you dispute an item, the credit bureau contacts the furnisher to verify the information.

Disputing does not guarantee removal. Credit bureaus investigate disputes and may correct, update, or verify the information. If the furnisher verifies the item as accurate, it will remain on your report. ProofOfDebt documents your dispute—it does not decide accuracy or guarantee outcomes.

Credit bureau disputes (under FCRA) are sent to credit bureaus about information appearing on your credit report. Debt validation requests (under FDCPA) are sent to debt collectors about alleged debts they are attempting to collect. These are separate processes—disputing with a credit bureau does not stop collection activity, and validating with a collector does not remove credit report entries.

Note: Credit reporting and debt collection are related but separate processes.

Yes. ProofOfDebt allows you to include multiple disputed items in a single letter to each bureau. Each item is listed separately with its furnisher name, account number, and reason for dispute.

The letter templates are based on federal law—the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)—which apply nationwide. However, ProofOfDebt does not provide legal advice about how these laws apply to your specific situation.

Some states have additional consumer protection laws that may provide additional rights beyond federal law. ProofOfDebt templates are based on federal law only and do not automatically incorporate state-specific provisions. If you need advice about state-specific protections, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

You can record when letters are sent and when responses are received. The system calculates 30-day windows based on delivery dates for reference purposes only. This helps you maintain an organized, chronological record of what happened and when.

An evidence packet is a compiled export of your documentation for a case. It includes copies of letters assembled, delivery and timeline records, and supporting information you've added. Evidence packets are intended for your personal records.

You may explore ProofOfDebt without payment. An account is required to save cases, track timelines, and export documents. Providing an email ensures your documentation is saved and accessible across devices.

You can preview letters with watermarks. The full Document Package is a one-time payment of $25 for up to 5 cases, and includes clean PDF letters, timeline tracking, evidence packet export, and email reminders.

We use industry-standard security practices to protect your information. Guest sessions are encrypted and expire after a set period. ProofOfDebt does not sell personal data.

If you need legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. ProofOfDebt cannot provide legal advice or representation.

Templates are neutral and designed for documentation only. No aggressive legal language or custom disputes are included. This approach creates a clean record without making legal threats or escalating prematurely.

Yes. You can include multiple disputed items in a single letter to each bureau. Each bureau requires its own separate letter. Items are recorded exactly as entered by the user.

Collectors may respond in different ways: no response, balance and creditor name only, purchase/assignment statements, or documents. None of these responses are evaluated for legal sufficiency by ProofOfDebt. We document what was sent and received.

Returned payments do not always mean a debt was resolved. If a different collector later contacts you, ProofOfDebt treats this as a new collection attempt and compiles documentation requests accordingly. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.

ProofOfDebt documents correspondence only. It does not enforce debt validation, removal from credit reports, or legal outcomes. Results depend on your specific circumstances and how recipients respond.