Why Dispute a Debt?
If you believe a debt collection agency is contacting you about a debt you don’t owe, a debt that’s been paid, or a debt with inaccurate information, you have the right to dispute it. Disputing a debt forces the agency to verify the debt and provides you a paper trail. It’s a crucial step in protecting your credit score and financial well-being. Ignoring collection attempts can lead to negative consequences, including lawsuits and damage to your credit report. A well-crafted dispute letter is your first line of defense. Be sure to send it via certified mail with return receipt requested.
Crafting Your Dispute Letter: Key Elements
A good dispute letter should be clear, concise, and professional. Include your full name, address, account number (if known), and a clear statement that you are disputing the debt. Specify the reasons for your dispute: is it not your debt? Is the amount incorrect? Has it already been paid? Be factual and avoid emotional language. Attach copies of any supporting documentation you have, such as payment records or identification theft reports. Keep the original documents for your records. Remember, the burden is on the collection agency to prove you owe the debt.
Sample Dispute Letters: Take Control of Your Credit
Below are sample letters you can adapt to your specific situation. Remember to replace the bracketed information with your own details and tailor the reason for dispute accordingly. These samples cover common scenarios but should not be considered legal advice. If you’re facing complex debt collection issues, consult with a qualified attorney.
Sample Letter 1: General Debt Dispute
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I am disputing this debt because [clearly state your reason for disputing the debt, e.g., “I do not believe I owe this debt,” “The amount is incorrect,” “I already paid this debt,” “This is a case of identity theft.”].
I request that you provide me with validation of this debt, including a copy of the original contract, statements, and any other documentation that proves I am responsible for this debt.
Please cease all collection activities until you have provided me with the requested validation. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Request for Debt Validation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Request for Debt Validation – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter is a formal request for validation of the debt you claim I owe. I am requesting this validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Please provide me with the following information:
- The name of the original creditor.
- The account number associated with the debt.
- A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt.
- Documentation proving that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
Until I receive this validation, I request that you cease all collection activities.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Cease Communication Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Cease Communication – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request that you immediately cease all communication with me regarding the alleged debt you claim I owe. This request is made under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Please note that ceasing communication does not mean that I acknowledge the debt. I am simply exercising my right to stop further contact. If you intend to pursue legal action, please notify me in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Dispute – Paid Debt
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Debt Already Paid
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I am disputing this debt because I have already paid it in full. I have attached a copy of [Payment Method – e.g., cancelled check, bank statement, money order receipt] as proof of payment, dated [Date of Payment] for the amount of [Amount Paid].
I request that you immediately cease all collection activities regarding this debt and update your records to reflect that the debt has been satisfied. Furthermore, I demand that you notify all credit reporting agencies that the debt has been paid and remove any negative reporting related to this account.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Dispute – Not My Debt
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Not My Debt
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I am disputing this debt because it is not mine. I have never had an account with the original creditor you claim I owe, [Original Creditor’s Name], under account number [Account Number, if known]. I believe this debt may be the result of mistaken identity or fraud.
I request that you immediately cease all collection activities against me regarding this alleged debt and provide me with validation of this debt, including the original contract with my signature, proof of address at the time the account was opened, and any other documentation linking me to this debt.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Dispute – Statute of Limitations
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Statute of Limitations Expired
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I am disputing this debt because I believe the statute of limitations for collecting this debt has expired. According to my records, the last activity on this account was [Date of Last Activity, if known], which is more than [Number of Years for Statute of Limitations in Your State] years ago. Therefore, you are barred from pursuing legal action to collect this debt.
I request that you immediately cease all collection activities regarding this debt and confirm in writing that you will not pursue any legal action. I understand that attempting to collect on a debt beyond the statute of limitations is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Dispute – Bankruptcy Discharge
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Discharged in Bankruptcy
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. This debt was discharged in bankruptcy. My bankruptcy case number is [Bankruptcy Case Number], filed in the [Court Name and Location] on [Filing Date]. I received a discharge on [Discharge Date].
I request that you immediately cease all collection activities regarding this debt and confirm in writing that you will no longer attempt to collect it. I am attaching a copy of my bankruptcy discharge order for your records. Attempting to collect a debt discharged in bankruptcy is a violation of federal law.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Dispute – Account Already in Dispute with Original Creditor
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Already in Dispute with Original Creditor
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. This debt is already under dispute with the original creditor, [Original Creditor’s Name]. I sent a dispute letter to them on [Date Dispute Sent] regarding [Brief Reason for Original Dispute]. I am awaiting their response and resolution of the dispute.
Until the original creditor resolves the dispute and provides me with satisfactory validation of the debt, I request that you cease all collection activities. Continuing to pursue collection while the debt is under dispute with the original creditor is inappropriate. I can provide a copy of my original dispute letter upon request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Dispute – Deceased Debtor
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Deceased Debtor
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you that the alleged debtor, [Debtor’s Full Name], is deceased. [He/She] passed away on [Date of Death]. I am [Your Relationship to the Deceased – e.g., surviving spouse, executor of the estate].
As the [Your Relationship to the Deceased], I am requesting that you cease all collection activities against the deceased’s estate until you can provide me with valid documentation proving the debt and allowing you to pursue collection against the estate. Please send any such documentation to the address listed above.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Dispute – Identity Theft
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Number: [Account Number, if known] – Identity Theft
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I am disputing this debt because I am a victim of identity theft and I did not create this debt. I have filed a police report and a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding this identity theft.
I am attaching a copy of my FTC Identity Theft Report and a copy of my police report for your review. I request that you immediately cease all collection activities against me and remove all negative reporting related to this account from my credit reports. It is your responsibility to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that I am not held liable for a debt I did not incur.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Debt Exceeds Validated Amount
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt Amount – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the amount of the debt you are attempting to collect. While I acknowledge a debt to [Original Creditor’s Name] exists, the amount you claim I owe, [Amount Claimed], is incorrect. The validated amount I owe is actually [Validated Amount], as documented by [Supporting Documentation – e.g., attached statement from the original creditor].
I request that you revise your records to reflect the accurate amount of the debt. I am willing to discuss a payment plan based on the validated amount. Please provide me with an updated statement showing the correct balance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Insufficient Debt Validation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt Validation – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I previously requested validation of the alleged debt you are attempting to collect. The documentation you provided is insufficient to validate the debt as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Specifically, [Explain why the validation is insufficient – e.g., “the documentation does not include a copy of the original contract with my signature,” “the statement provided is illegible,” “the documents do not clearly show that I am responsible for the debt”].
I reiterate my request for proper validation of this debt. Please provide documentation that meets the requirements of the FDCPA, including a copy of the original contract, clear and legible statements, and proof that you have the legal right to collect this debt from me. Until you provide sufficient validation, I request that you cease all collection activities.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Dispute – Unreasonable Collection Fees/Interest
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Unreasonable Fees/Interest – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the fees and interest charges you are attempting to collect on this debt. I believe these charges are unreasonable and not supported by the original agreement or by law. Specifically, [State the reason – e.g., “the interest rate exceeds the legally allowable rate in my state,” “the collection fees are not disclosed in the original contract,” “the amount of the fees is excessive”].
I request that you provide documentation supporting the legality and reasonableness of these fees and interest charges. I am willing to discuss a payment plan based on the original principal amount of the debt, excluding these disputed charges. If you cannot provide adequate justification for these charges, I demand that they be removed from the balance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Dispute – Incorrect Address
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Incorrect Address – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. This debt is not valid because you have an incorrect address on file for me. I have never resided at [Incorrect Address]. My correct address is listed above.
This debt may be the result of mistaken identity or fraud. Please update your records with my correct address and cease all collection activities. Provide me with validation that confirms the accuracy of your records and that I am indeed the correct individual for this debt.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Dispute – Account Not Mine (Possible Mixed File)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account Not Mine (Possible Mixed File) – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I believe this debt is not mine and may be the result of a mixed file. This means that my credit file may be containing information that belongs to someone else with a similar name or other identifying information.
Please provide me with validation of this debt, including all documentation proving that the debt belongs to *me* specifically. This should include a copy of the original application with my signature, my date of birth, social security number and any other information used to verify that I am responsible for this account.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16: Dispute – Payment Made to Original Creditor Before Collection Transfer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Payment Made Before Transfer – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I made a payment of [Dollar Amount] to the original creditor, [Original Creditor’s Name], on [Date of Payment]. This payment was made *before* the account was transferred to your collection agency.
I am attaching a copy of [Payment Method – e.g., bank statement, cancelled check, money order receipt] as proof of my payment. Please verify this payment with the original creditor and update your records accordingly. I expect the amount you claim I owe to be reduced by the amount of my prior payment.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 17: Dispute – Verbal Agreement Not Honored
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Verbal Agreement Not Honored – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. I had a verbal agreement with a representative of [Collection Agency Name or Original Creditor] on [Date of Agreement] to [Describe the Agreement – e.g., “accept a reduced payment of $X in full settlement of the debt,” “establish a payment plan of $Y per month”]. This agreement is not being honored.
I request that you review your records of this agreement and honor its terms. If you are unable to verify the agreement, please provide validation of the full amount of the debt and cease all collection activities until this dispute is resolved.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 18: Dispute – Account Placed in Collection in Error
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Account in Collection in Error – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. My account, [Account Number with Original Creditor], with [Original Creditor’s Name] was incorrectly placed in collections. I was never notified of any delinquency before the account was transferred to your agency.
I request that you investigate the circumstances surrounding the placement of my account in collections. Provide documentation showing the communication that was sent to me *before* the account was transferred and why it was placed with your agency. If the account was placed in error, immediately remove it from collections and notify all credit bureaus.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 19: Dispute – Claiming Debt Owed After Settlement Agreement
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute of Debt – Claiming Debt Owed After Settlement – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the alleged debt you claim I owe. This matter was resolved through a settlement agreement with [Original Creditor’s Name or Previous Collection Agency Name] on [Date of Settlement]. I fulfilled all obligations as outlined in the agreement.
I am attaching a copy of the settlement agreement and proof of payment (e.g., cancelled checks, bank statements). Therefore, you have no legal basis to claim that I owe any further amount. Immediately cease all collection activities and confirm in writing that this matter is closed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 20: Dispute – Threatening Legal Action Without Intention
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute – Threatening Legal Action Without Intention – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute your methods of debt collection regarding the above-referenced account. I believe you are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by threatening legal action (e.g., a lawsuit) when you have no intention of pursuing such action.
If you intend to pursue legal action, please provide documentation proving your intent, including evidence that you have consulted with an attorney and are prepared to file a lawsuit in the near future. If you cannot provide such evidence, I demand that you cease making these false threats. These are designed to unfairly pressure me into paying a debt that I may not owe or that is not valid.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 21: Dispute – Contacting Third Parties
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute – Improper Contacting of Third Parties – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute your debt collection practices. You have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by contacting third parties (e.g., family members, neighbors, employers) regarding my alleged debt. This constitutes an invasion of privacy and is against the law.
I demand that you immediately cease all communication with third parties regarding this debt. Any further contact with third parties will be considered a continued violation of the FDCPA and will result in further action on my part.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 22: Dispute – Demanding Payment on an Account Not Yet Due
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Dispute – Demanding Payment Before Account Due – Account Number: [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute your demand for immediate payment on the referenced account. The account is not yet due for payment, according to the terms of my agreement with [Original Creditor’s Name]. My next payment is due on [Date Next Payment is Due].
Your attempt to collect payment before it is due is a violation of my rights. Provide proof of the original agreement and cease all collection activities until the due date. Should I make a payment to you prior to the agreed due date, I will take legal action.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 23: Dispute – Misrepresentation of Debt’s Character
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP]
