Form Letters to Creditors

You may use the following letters as forms to use when you are dealing with debt collectors. Modify them to meet your needs and your particular situation. I recommend that you write or type each letter yourself rather than printing off one of these sample letters and then filling in the necessary information.

That way you can use as much space as you need to explain your problem and state what action you want the debt collection agency to take.

Stick with the facts and be as brief as possible when you are writing your letters. Don't leave out any details. Be sure to make a copy of the letters for your files. Send the letters by certified mail, return receipt requested and keep the green cards with the letters.

Sample Letter to Request Verification of a Debt

Your name
Your address

Date

Collection agency name
Collection agency address

On (date), a debt collector with your agency contacted me regarding collection of a debt. According to the debt collector, I owe $ (Exact amount of money) to (Name of creditor the collection agency says you owe the money to) on (Account number, if applicable). I am writing to request written verification of that debt, as allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, I expect that the next time a debt collector with your agency contacts me, it will be to provide the written proof I have asked for.

Thank you,
(Your signature)
(Your name)

Sample Letter to Dispute a Debt

Your name
Your address

Date

Collection agency name
Collection agency address

On (date), a debt collector with your agency contacted me regarding a debt. According to the debt collector, I owe $ (Exact amount of money) to (Name of creditor the collection agency says you owe the money to) on (Account number, if applicable). However, I do not believe that (State what you disagree with. For example, you do not believe that the debt is yours or you do not agree with the amount of the debt.) Therefore, I am writing to request written verification of the debt, as allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. I expect that the next time someone with your agency contacts me, it will be to provide the written proof I have requested.
Thank you,

Your signature

Your name

Sample Letter to Stop a Debt Collector from Contacting You Again About a Debt

Your name
Your address

Date

Collection agency name
Collection agency address

On (date), a debt collector with your agency contacted me regarding collection of a debt. According to the debt collector, I owe $ (Exact amount of money) to (Name of creditor the collection agency says you owe the money to) on (Account number, if applicable). I am writing to ask that your agency not contact me again about this debt. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are legally obligated to comply with this request.

Thank you,
Your signature
Your name

Note to Reader: Once the debt collector receives your letter, he is legally obligated to stop contacting you about your debt, although he can notify you about any legal action he intends to take to collect the debt.

Sample Letter to Stop a Debt Collector from Continuing To Communicate With You about a Debt That You Are Disputing

Your name
Your address

Date

Collection agency name
Collection agency address

A debt collector with your agency contacted me on (Date) regarding a debt that he says I owe. According to the agency, I owe $ (Exact amount of money) to (Name of creditor the collection agency says you owe the money to) on (Account number, if applicable). As I have explained, I do not believe I owe this debt because (Succinctly state why you do not believe that you owe the money. For example, the account in collections is not yours, you paid the debt, etc.) Therefore, I am exercising my legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by asking that you not contact me about the debt again.

Thank you,
Your signature
Your name

Note to Reader: Once the debt collector receives your letter, he is legally obligated to stop contacting you to try to collect your debt. However, the debt collector can contact you again to notify you of any legal action he intends to take against you.

Sample Letter Asking Collector Not To Contact You Again When You Cannot Afford To Pay Debt

Your name
Your address

Date

Collection agency name
Collection agency address

On (date), a debt collector with your agency contacted me regarding collection of a debt. According to the debt collector, I owe $ (Exact amount of money) to (Name of creditor the collection agency says you owe the money to) on (Account number, if applicable). However, I do not have the money to pay the debt and therefore, I do not want to be contacted about this debt again. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are legally obligated to honor this request. I will contact your agency when I can afford to pay the debt.

Thank you,
Your signature
Your name

Note to Reader: Once the debt collector receives your letter, he is legally obligated to stop contacting you about your debt, although he can notify you about any legal action he intends to take to collect the debt.

Contact Me Today

Fred E. Walker is committed to answering your questions about Bankruptcy and Tax Resolution law issues in Austin, TX.

I offer a free debt relief consultation and I'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.

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