A collection notice can be unnerving, but it’s also an opportunity to verify and control the situation. Collections commonly arise after missed payments are charged off by the original creditor and sold or assigned to a collector. Collectors must follow validation rules (in many jurisdictions) — they should identify the debt amount, original creditor, and provide proof when requested. Before paying, it’s often wise to request written validation so you confirm the debt, the amount, and that the collector actually has a right to collect. That protects you from mistakes and from paying a debt that may not be yours or that includes incorrect charges. After validation you can consider negotiation, a pay-for-delete agreement, or a payment plan; if you can’t verify the debt, insist on documentation. The question asks which initial step is the most prudent when you first receive such a notice.