# Dispute a debt and request validation by Certified Mail

A debt collector writes to you about a debt that you do not recognise, that
has the wrong amount, or that you already paid. Federal law lets you dispute
it **in writing**. Your AI app writes the letter with you. We print it and mail
it in your name by USPS Certified Mail with return receipt.

- **Postal service:** Certified Mail with return receipt (USPS)
- **Price:** $14.99 for 1 page. The preview shows the full price.
- **Recorded:** Handover, delivery and signature recorded
- **Delivery:** Usually 3–5 business days after the handover to the post. Our print partner hands it over usually within 3 business days.
- **Proof:** The post records the delivery and the signature. We cannot get the signed record for you yet. [What a registered letter proves](https://agentletterdesk.com/guides/what-a-registered-letter-proves)

## Why a letter, not e-mail

- **The law asks for writing.** If you dispute the debt in writing by the end
  date on the collector's validation notice (about 30 days after you receive
  it), the collector must stop collecting until it sends you verification of
  the debt or a copy of a judgment
  ([15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692g);
  [12 CFR 1006.38(d)(2)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-12/part-1006/section-1006.38)).
- **E-mail counts only where the collector accepts it.** Regulation F counts
  an e-mail or a website portal as writing only through a channel that the
  collector accepts from consumers
  ([12 CFR 1006.38, comment 38-1](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/interp-38/)).
  A letter to the address on the notice needs no such check.
- **The CFPB suggests certified mail for a dispute.** "It's also generally a
  good idea to send the dispute by certified mail"
  ([CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/)).

## Example to copy

> A debt collector, [name], sent me a notice about account [number]. I
> [do not recognise the debt / dispute the amount / already paid it]. Write a
> letter to the address on its notice. Dispute the debt and ask for
> verification and the name and address of the original creditor. Then mail
> it by Certified Mail.

Your AI asks for the collector's name, address and reference number. It
writes the letter with you; it does not invent facts. The
[CFPB sample letter](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201307_cfpb_debt-collection-letter_1-not-my-debt.doc)
is a good starting point.

## Good to know

- **The notice names the last day.** The validation notice states the end
  date of the validation period
  ([12 CFR 1006.34](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-12/part-1006/section-1006.34)).
  We do not calculate it. The handover to USPS usually takes up to 3 business
  days, and USPS then needs about 3–5 business days.
  Approve the letter well before the end date.
- **The debt does not go away.** If the collector sends verification, it can
  continue to collect.
- **Keep records.** Keep the PDF preview and every letter from the collector.
  Send copies of your documents, not the originals.
- **We do not offer debt relief, debt settlement or credit repair.** We print
  and mail the letter that you approve, in your name.

## FAQ

### Does the letter prove what I wrote?

No. USPS records the delivery and the signature, not the content. Keep the PDF
preview as your copy of the letter.

### Do I get the green return receipt card?

You get the tracking number and the USPS tracking link, which shows the
delivery. We cannot get the signed return receipt for you yet.

### What if the end date has passed?

The verification rule in § 1692g(b) applies to a written dispute within the
validation period. The CFPB explains your other options on
[its debt collection pages](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/).
We give no legal advice. For advice on your case, contact a lawyer or a legal
aid office.

### Can I also ask the collector to stop contacting me?

Yes, in a separate letter. See
[Ask a debt collector to stop contacting you](https://agentletterdesk.com/guides/stop-debt-collector-contact-letter).

### Does the letter carry my signature?

The letter carries your typed name, not a handwritten signature.

### Can I send it from outside the United States?

No. USPS accepts only a US return address, so the sender must be in the
United States.

## Sources

Checked on 20 October 2026.

- [Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692g)
- Regulation F:
  [12 CFR 1006.34](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-12/part-1006/section-1006.34), validation notice and validation period;
  [12 CFR 1006.38](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-12/part-1006/section-1006.38), disputes, and its
  [official interpretation](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/interp-38/) (comment 38-1, electronic disputes)
- [CFPB: What can I do if a debt collector contacts me about a debt I already paid or don't think I owe?](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/) (reviewed 2 August 2023)
- [CFPB sample letter: "This is not my debt"](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201307_cfpb_debt-collection-letter_1-not-my-debt.doc)

## Related

This page gives general information based on public sources. It is not
legal advice and not a check of your case. We do not offer debt relief, debt
settlement or credit repair, and we do not promise a result.

- [Ask a debt collector to stop contacting you](https://agentletterdesk.com/guides/stop-debt-collector-contact-letter)
- [When a letter is the right choice (and when e-mail is enough)](https://agentletterdesk.com/guides/letter-or-email)
- [What a registered letter proves](https://agentletterdesk.com/guides/what-a-registered-letter-proves)

## Use it with Claude, ChatGPT, Grok or Mistral Vibe

Before the launch, only invited testers can create an account. Everyone else can join the waitlist: https://agentletterdesk.com/waitlist.

Add Agent Letter Desk to your AI app once, with this server URL: `https://agentletterdesk.com/mcp`

- **Claude** (claude.ai, desktop and mobile): [Add to Claude](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors?modal=add-custom-connector&connectorName=Agent%20Letter%20Desk&connectorUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fagentletterdesk.com%2Fmcp) opens Claude with the name and the URL filled in. Select Add, then Connect. Sign in and allow access. In a chat, select + › Connectors and turn on Agent Letter Desk. By hand: Customize › Connectors › + Add › Add custom connector, then paste the URL.
- **ChatGPT** (chatgpt.com): copy the URL and [open ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/#settings/Connectors). Plugins › Add › Add custom MCP server. Paste the URL, choose OAuth, sign in and allow access. Worked on the Free plan when we checked (13 October 2026). OpenAI decides which plans can add one.
- **Grok** (grok.com): copy the URL and [open Grok's connectors](https://grok.com/connectors). New connector › Custom. Enter a name and paste the URL. Sign in and allow access in the window that opens. In a chat, type @ and pick Agent Letter Desk (Grok uses a connector only when you select it).
- **Mistral Vibe** (chat.mistral.ai, formerly Le Chat): copy the URL and [open Mistral Vibe's connectors](https://chat.mistral.ai/connections). + Add Connector › Custom MCP Connector. Enter a name without spaces, such as AgentLetterDesk, and paste the URL. Sign in and allow access. In a chat, select + › Connectors › Agent Letter Desk (without this step, Mistral Vibe may write the letter itself). Works on the free plan.

You sign in with your e-mail address or your Google account. Then ask your AI for the letter. You check the preview and the price. Nothing goes out without your yes.

Prices, destinations and the rules for every letter: [All prices and destinations](https://agentletterdesk.com/#destinations) · [How it works](https://agentletterdesk.com/#how) · [Safeguards](https://agentletterdesk.com/#safeguards) · [Terms](https://agentletterdesk.com/terms) · [Full facts for AI agents](https://agentletterdesk.com/llms-full.txt)

Facts checked on October 20, 2026.