<prompt> Human: So, first, thank you rpersonalfinance. Im posting here frequently lately while trying to repair damage to credit.My background is pretty straightforward. My first negative credit hit was when I was 18, for a utility turned on by my parents under my name. From that point forward, I could never qualify for any reasonable credit options. I ignored my credit diligently, and over the past 7 years medical debt has accrued. Anyway. Because I avoided anything to do with credit, it made sense that my first step was to sort out what I may or may not owe to who. So I sent validation letters per your recommendation, reddit to collection agencies via certified mail about a week ago for every account listed. I got the first reply back in the mail, and it lists the same information as on my credit report, plus the date of the procedure. I was under the impression that they needed to send something from the creditor showing an invoice, balance owed, andor that they have the right to collect on anything owed. Is that incorrect? I mean, if its mine then its mine, but I dont have money to throw around on duplicate or mistake charges. If Im potentially going to pay these people, I feel that they can at least produce thorough documentation first.  <response>: No. They just need to send information about the debt. If the debt ends up in court you can demand they provide an invoice or statement to prove the debt. You can file a complaint with the CFPB about the lack of documentation and they may respond with a copy of an invoice or statement. 