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Debt collectors must prove a few key things before they can collect. Here's what they ask for — and why it matters.

Decide what you can afford: Take an honest and detailed look at your ... the charged-off debt. This written correspondence is called a validation notice or debt validation letter and is required ...

Only when they asked the debt collector for a debt validation letter to prove that they own ... The poster could also look up the name of the debt collection company and verify that it exists.

But this does ... debt might be yours. By stating a debt is your own, you could accidentally revive the debt and remove the statute of limitations protection. Instead, ask for a debt validation ...

This written correspondence is called a validation notice or debt validation letter and is required within five days of contacting you. The letter or notice should include the amount you allegedly ...