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How do I Dispute a Debt?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Sometimes individuals receive bills for debts they do not owe or are billed for an incorrect amount. In these cases, people aren't usually required to simply pay bills that come to them, regardless of whether they are valid or not. If you need to dispute a debt, you will normally have to notify the creditor or collection agency of your dispute in writing. The process for disputing debts and the steps a company has to take to handle your dispute may depend on the laws in your jurisdiction, however.

If you receive a bill for a debt you do not owe, your first thought may be to contact the company that sent you the bill. This is a reasonable first step, but it may not be enough to get the dispute process started officially. Instead, you will normally have to dispute a bill in writing. In most cases, this involves writing a letter to a collection agency or creditor to state your reasons for disputing the debt and request proof that you owe the specified amount. You’ll usually need to do this as soon as possible; it’s general practice to dispute a debt within 30 days of receiving a bill or collection notice, for example.

Many credit card companies have services on their website to instantly dispute suspicious debt.
Many credit card companies have services on their website to instantly dispute suspicious debt.

When you send a letter to dispute a debt, you may also do well to enclose a copy of the bill or collection letter you received. If you have paid the debt in full and have proof that you have done so, you may include copies of such proof as well. If you have never done business with the company in question or have some other reason for believing the debt to be invalid, include such details in your letter as well. Once you’re satisfied with the letter and any accompanying documents, you may send it through certified mail or a similar service. This will give you proof that the receiving company accepted your letter.

A debt dispute letter should be written in a traditional business letter format and signed by hand.
A debt dispute letter should be written in a traditional business letter format and signed by hand.

You may also dispute a debt through a credit bureau. If you find errors on your credit report, you may ask the credit bureau to investigate them. If the credit bureau is unable to secure proof of the debt, it will usually remove it from your credit report. While you may write a letter to begin the dispute process, many credit bureaus have online forms you can complete and mail in to dispute a debt. Using a credit bureau's dispute form and following the directions provided by the credit bureau may ensure that the investigation is completed in a timely manner.

In some cases, consumers do not achieve the desired results through regular dispute processes. If this occurs, you may need to seek legal help. There are lawyers who specialize in debt issues who may be able to help you.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

It is very difficult to get results when trying to dispute a debt, but it is important not to give up on your efforts. Remember, your good credit and credit score is on the line. Be respectful yet firm when you correspond with the creditor, and save important paperwork such as a debt collection letter as you escalate your dispute.

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    • Many credit card companies have services on their website to instantly dispute suspicious debt.
      By: karelnoppe
      Many credit card companies have services on their website to instantly dispute suspicious debt.
    • A debt dispute letter should be written in a traditional business letter format and signed by hand.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A debt dispute letter should be written in a traditional business letter format and signed by hand.
    • People aren't usually required to pay incorrect bills.
      By: Monkey Business
      People aren't usually required to pay incorrect bills.