A DV request does not impose any requirement to or period to respond on the debt collector.
It imposes a cease collection bar on the debt collector (if timely-filed within the first 30-days after dunning notice), which then remains in effect until such time as the debt collector chooses to send the requested validation.
If the debt collector does send validation in response to a timely DV request, that response lifts the cease collection bar, and the debt collector is then free to continue their normal collection activities.
If the debt collector resumes collection activities without first having sent adequate validation, the consumer can them sue the debt collector for violation of FDCPA 809(b) and/or file a formal complaint with the CFPB.
However, case law generally establishes a very low threshold for what is considered adequate validation, with a statement that they have determined the debt to be valid normally considered as adequate validation without need to provide supporting documementation or proofs.
If you wish to bring civil action or file a CFPB complaint asserting violation of the cease collection bar due to lack of adequate validation of the debt, it is highly advisable that you first obtain legal review and opinion of an attorney after research of the case law interpretation of what is or is not adequate validation within your judical jurisdiction.
With respect to the specific, posted scenario, it appears that they have now provided adequate validation, which means that collection activities can resume as normal.
You can pursue any of the normal actions described by other responders. The DV process simply appears to be concluded, and it is business as usual.......
