so, it's now 2 weeks later - got a call from CA today at work - "We didn't understand your request, do you need a total amount?". I replied that I needed a signed contractual obligation that required me to pay the amt. I also indicated that I had sent another letter since I had not heard back from them. He then offered me a settlement option, which I told him I could not think about until I got the validation. Is that what I was supposed to ask for?? Did I screw up by even talking with them??
If he was trying to collect on the debt after you requested validation and before you received it, than that is clearly a violation! Most everyone here will tell you not to talk to an CA.
Get them to put the settlement agreement in writing with todays date. Then you will have proof they are trying to collect before completing validation. If the date of this letter falls after your request (which it will) and before the date of the validation (which it should), then you have just turned the tables on them and now they owe you $1000 for a violation.
