Are electronically produced billing “statements” proof of validation of debts?
Statements can qualify as a validation/verification if they include the (1) the consumer’s name, (2) name of the original creditor, and (3) amount of the debt. Verification of a debt involves nothing more than the debt collector confirming in writing that the amount being demanded is what the creditor is claiming is owed; the debt collector is not required to keep detailed files of the alleged debt. Consistent with the legislative history, verification is only intended to “eliminate the … problem of debt collectors dunning the wrong person or attempting to collect debts which the consumer has already paid.” There is no concomitant obligation to forward copies of bills or other detailed evidence of the debt. However, you need to understand that we are not just disputing the account/validity of any charges. We are identifying and developing claims where the creditor and/or collector is not in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Debt Coll
