1. THE CLOCK — You received the written notice 4 days ago, which is what starts the 30-day validation clock — not the phone call from 9 days ago. You're well inside the window, with about 26 days remaining to request validation and have collection activity paused while the collector responds. 2. Not applicable — a written notice was received, so this isn't the no-notice-yet scenario. 3. VALIDATION LETTER — {Your Name} {Your Address} {Today's Date} Meridian Recovery Group {Collector's Address} RE: Request for Debt Validation To Whom It May Concern, I am writing in response to your letter regarding an alleged debt in the amount of $2,340, received on {date letter was received}. This letter is a formal request for validation of this debt under my rights per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §1692g. Please provide the following: 1. The amount of the debt and an itemization of how it was calculated. 2. The name and address of the original creditor. 3. Proof that your agency is licensed or otherwise authorized to collect this debt in the state of Ohio, if such licensing is required. 4. Proof that your agency owns this specific debt or is authorized by the current owner to collect it. Per the FDCPA, please be advised that all collection activity must cease until this validation is provided. I am not acknowledging that this debt is valid or that I owe any amount by sending this letter; I am exercising my right to request validation. Please direct all further communication to me in writing at the address above. Sincerely, {Your Name} 4. Not applicable — window is open, letter 3 is the one to send. 5. Not applicable as a primary dispute, since the debt is at least partially recognized — though note that if validation comes back with a balance that doesn't match your recollection, that itself becomes a specific dispute point worth raising in a follow-up. 6. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FLAG — Ohio's statute of limitations for this type of debt (written contract, which most credit card debt is treated as) is time-limited, but the exact period and how it's calculated from the last payment or charge depends on details this letter doesn't have. Confirm the specific period for a written contract in Ohio, and the date of last payment/activity on this account, before making any payment or written acknowledgment — this matters for whether the debt is even legally enforceable through a lawsuit anymore. 7. Not applicable — no lawsuit or court date mentioned. 8. WHAT NOT TO DO — Don't confirm the debt, make a payment, or agree to a payment plan over the phone before validation arrives; don't give any bank or card details to Meridian Recovery Group over a call you didn't initiate. If they call again before you've received validation, you can simply state you've requested validation in writing and are waiting for a response. 9. SENDING THE LETTER — Send via certified mail with return receipt requested, and keep a copy of the letter and the receipt.