For those individuals wrongfully being hassled by a collection agency, it’s time to fight back. There are ways that an individual can dispute debt that may not be their account, or the amount owed is incorrect, or if the individual has never received an initial bill from the company before being sent to a creditor.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – The Option to Dispute Debt
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), if a person wishes to dispute debt, it’s best to do so by writing a professional collection dispute letter. By simply following a free sample debt dispute letter, individuals can fight to successfully reduce the chances of getting a bad mark on their credit from a collection agency. A person’s credit is very important to their financial stability, therefore when dealing with any kind of wrongfully charged debt, it’s important to take time to dispute the account in writing.
Free Sample Dispute Debt Letter – How to Dispute a Debt
Once a collector receives a dispute letter, the collection agency is required to cease contacting or calling the individual until the account is officially verified as valid. Therefore, to avoid being hassled by collection agencies, it’s best to immediately write a letter to dispute debt, if being wrongfully charged.
Dispute Letter Sample:
Your Name
Your Address
Collector's Name
Collector's Address
Dear Collection Agency (insert name of company),
I am writing in response to your letter (or phone call) dated (insert date), due to the fact that I am being wrongfully charged a debt in which I do not owe. In accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809 (b): Validating Debts: (b) if the consumer notifies a debt collector in writing within thirty days, described in subsection (a), the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt until the collector obtains official verification or any copy of a judgment.
I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:
- the amount of debt owed;
- the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
- Provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);
- Proof that you are indeed a licensed debt collector(insert name of your state)
Please be advised that I am keeping records of all correspondence from your collection agency. I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Since I have now officially disputed this debt, if reported to any credit-reporting agency or Credit Bureau, you must immediately inform them of my dispute regarding this account.
Signature here
Your Printed Name
When writing a debt dispute letter, it’s very important that the individual keeps a copy for their own records. Also, it’s not uncommon if the individual never hears from the collector again, as it’s possible that the collector may not be able to show proof of the debt, which may cause the company to drop the account. Overall, it’s best to write a professional debt collection letter when trying to dispute a wrongfully charged debt.
Related articles:
Best Way to Negotiate Debt With Creditors
Best Way to Pay Off Debt
Sources: expertlaw.com “What Is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act” (Assessed February 9, 2010)
Emily Rogers - I am currently working from home as a freelance writer. I have always had a strong passion for writing, utilizing my skills with every ...
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