Consumer complaint received 2026-01-30 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Gurstel Law Firm, P.C.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Dear Gurstel Law Firm, I am writing to formally request both verification and validation of the alleged debt you claim I owe, in accordance with my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), Section 809 ( b ). Verification and validation are distinct legal concepts, and I demand that you provide both.

Verification is the process of confirming whether I actually owe the debt, as referenced in Chaudhry v. Gallerizzo, 174 F.3d 394 ( 4th Cir. 1999 ). According to Blacks Law Dictionary, verification is defined as an averment that the party pleading is ready to establish the truth of what he has set forth. The examination of a writing for the purpose of ascertaining its truth ; or a certificate or affidavit that it is true. In McDonald v. Rosengarten, 134 Ill. 126, 25 N.E. ( 1890 ), the court explained that verification involves the " confirmation of the correctness, truth, or authenticity of a pleading, account, or other paper, by an affidavit, oath, or deposition. '' Other courts, such as in Summerfield v. Phoenix Assur. Co. ( C. C. ) 65 Fed. 296 ( 1922 ) and Patterson v. Brooklyn, 6 App. Div. 127, 40 N.Y. Supp. 581 ( 1898 ), have reiterated this legal principle.

Therefore, I request the following : Proof that I am legally responsible for the debt in question.

A verified statement of the original creditor and the contract or agreement that created the debt.

Validation is necessary to confirm the legitimacy of this debt before any further action can be taken, as referenced in Spears v. Brennan, 745 N.E. 2d 862 Ind. App. ( 2001 ). Black 's Law Dictionary defines validation as assessing an action to determine it is complete, correct, implemented, and delivering the correct outcome. XXXX defines it as to check or prove the validity or accuracy of something, and XXXX explains it as to show the existence or truth of, by evidence. 

To this end, I am requesting that you provide : Validation of the debt, including a breakdown of how the amount was calculated, itemizing any interest, fees, or charges added to the original balance. 

Documentation proving that your agency is authorized to collect the debt on behalf of the original creditor. Any judgment or legal order obtained against me regarding this debt ( if applicable ). Proof that the debt is not time-barred under the statute of limitations in my state. 

Until you provide both verification and validation of the debt, I request that you cease all collection activities, including reporting this alleged debt to any credit reporting agencies, as required by the FDCPA. 

Please respond with the requested information within 30 days of receipt of this letter. If you can not provide the necessary verification and validation, I expect you to remove any record of this debt and cease all collection efforts. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving the proper documentation. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation