Requesting Proof of a Debt

by L Miller
(Missouri, US)

I got a call just this morning from a holder of an old student loan (not federal) after a long period of no communications. I suspect they got notice of recent activity from a credit repository - which is fine. I gave them nothing.

I have run a search on StartPage and studied the Statute of Limitations for my state and studied a few other sites. As a result of it all, I am now aware of the 'without first getting written proof from the debt collector that you actually owe' stipulation.

What is the 'proper' way (form, textual content, method of delivery) to request that 'written proof'? I normally use email and am trying to train all entities which I deal with to use email which is way more documented than paper, so, is that a problem?

Thank you in advance.