How and when did you request validation of the debt?
If your request for debt validation was sent to them within 30 days after their dunning notice, then yes, it invoked a cease collection bar on them, thus precluding any collection actiivity, iincluding reporting to a CRA, until they first provided the requested debt validation.
If your timely DV was sent prior to their filing of legal action, you can raise the issue with the court as to the propriety of their action while under a cease collection bar.
The court will determine if their filing was precluded by the cease collection bar. Diffenrent courts have handled that issue different wayes, with some merely stayig the proceeding until they first provide validation. With pending legal action, resolution resides with the court.
However, if your DV was not timely, it invoked no cease collection bar, and thus they have no obligation to respond, and no prohibition against continued colllection activities, including credit reporting and bringing civil action.
