Sample Debt Collection Dispute Letter

If you are on the receiving end of debt collection calls, you have every right to dispute the debt. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, if you send a debt collection dispute letter to a debt collection agency, they can’t call or write you until they prove that the debt is yours to pay. Keep in mind, though, that you only have 30 days to send a debt validation letter. It’s important that you send debt collection letters via certified mail, with a return receipt requested. if you wish to dispute a debt it should be in writing, and once they’ve received your letter, they must cease contacting you until they verify that the debt is valid.

Here’s a sample debt collection dispute letter for you to use in order to put a hold on debt collection calls. Remember to include specifics about collector phone call dates and times, as well as copies of any written notices you received.

Sample Debt Collection Dispute Letter

Date

Your Name
Your Address

Collector's Name
Collector's Address

Dear Debt Collector,

I am writing to dispute the claim of your debt collection notice stating that I owe [describe letter or phone call’s claim]. I do not agree that this is a charge that I incurred or for which I am responsible. [OR—I do not agree that the amount of the charge is correct.]

Since I have only recently become aware of this debt claim from you or any other company, this letter serves as a dispute document in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809(b) in reference to Debt Validation. Please note that according to the Act:

According to the FDCPA’s federal guidelines, I understand that once you receive this letter:

1. You may confirm that I have notified you within the 30-day period as described in subsection (a) that I am disputing this charge
2. You may not contact me until I receive verification of the debt and it is delivered to me in writing at your expense
3. You cannot add interest or fees unless allowed by the original contract or state law
4. You do not have to respond to this dispute. However, if you attempt to collect this debt again without validation, you will be in violation of the federal law.
5. Since I am disputing this debt, until it is validated, your information concerning this debt is considered inaccurate, and if you have already reported this debt to any credit reporting agency or credit bureau then you must immediately inform them of my dispute
6. Reporting information that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act § 1681s-2.

Should you pursue a judgment without validating this debt, I will inform the judge and request the case be dismissed based on your failure to comply with the FDCPA. Therefore, please provide me with the following:

1. the amount of the debt
2. the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed
3. a verification and/or if applicable, a copy of any judgment
4. proof that you are licensed to collect debts in [Your State]

If you do not own this debt, send a copy of this dispute letter to the original creditor so they are also aware of my dispute with this debt.

Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I am keeping records of all correspondence from you and your company, including recording all phone calls, and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to the appropriate legal authorities.

Signature
Your Printed Name