Below is a sample dispute letter to a collection agency. It is a legal document and should be written as a formal business letter. It should be typed and printed from a computer and have accurate spelling and grammar.
Sample Dispute Letter To A Collection Agency
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Collector’s Name
Collector’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Dispute of debt on account number [NUMBER].
Dear Debt Collection Agent:
This letter is a formal dispute for the debt you have listed on my [Name of Credit Card]. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I am allowed to request in writing that you validate the debt.
I request that you provide competent evidence that I owe the debt and send me the following information:
- The amount of the debt
- Copies of documents that show I agreed to pay the debt
- The identity of the original creditor
- Proof that the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account
- Proof that you are licensed to collect in my state
- Your license numbers and registered agent
According to the law, I am sending this letter within 30 days of [DATE] when I first received your collection notice.
If you have unfairly reported this debt to the three major Credit Bureaus, it may constitute fraud. Please validate the debt or remove it from my credit report at all three bureaus.
You may not add any fees or interest to the debt unless it is specified by state law or the original contract.
If you continue to try to collect this debt without giving proper validation, you will be violating the FDCPA. If you do not own this debt, please send a copy of this letter to the original creditor.
I can be reached at [Phone Number] or at [Email Address]. I expect to hear from you in writing within five days.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Printed Name
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a dispute letter to a collection agency?
Answer: A dispute letter to a collection agency is a written statement used by a consumer to contest the validity or accuracy of a debt that has been reported by the collection agency.
2. Why should I send a dispute letter to a collection agency?
Answer: You should send a dispute letter to a collection agency to challenge any errors in your credit report, protect your rights as a consumer, and to resolve any misunderstandings regarding the debt in question.
3. What should be included in a dispute letter to a collection agency?
Answer: A dispute letter to a collection agency should include:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- The name of the collection agency and the debt in question
- A clear statement of the errors or inaccuracies you are disputing
- Any supporting documentation or evidence to back up your dispute
- A request for verification of the debt
- A request for the removal of the debt from your credit report if the dispute is found to be valid.
4. How long does the collection agency have to respond to a dispute letter?
Answer: Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the collection agency has 30 days to respond to a dispute letter. If they do not respond within this time frame, they are in violation of the FDCPA.
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- HOW TO WRITE DISPUTE LETTERS
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