Fakes look official but skip the required pieces. Here's the checklist — paste yours for an instant read.
The amount, the creditor (ideally the original), an itemization or reference date, your validation rights, and the collector's real identity and contact info.
Missing creditor name, no validation rights, arrest threats, gift-card demands, or a debt you don't recognize. Demand validation before paying a cent.
It skips required elements (creditor, amount, validation rights), pressures you with threats, or demands untraceable payment. Send a validation request — a fake collector can't back it up.