Debt Collection Validation Letter Template That Stopped Them Cold

When a debt collector contacted me about a medical bill I did not recognize, I sent this letter and they went away. Subject: Debt Validation Request - Account #[Number] under FDCPA 15 USC 1692g. Body: "I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date] regarding the above-referenced account. I dispute this debt in its entirety. Please provide validation of this debt, including: 1) Proof that you own the debt or have the legal right to collect it. 2) A copy of the original contract or agreement showing my signature. 3) An itemized accounting of all charges, fees, and interest. 4) The name and address of the original creditor. Please note that under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you must cease all collection activities until you provide this validation." Under federal law, debt collectors must provide validation or stop contacting you. They could not validate the debt. They stopped calling.