Example Dispute Letter

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There is nothing more annoying than coming to realize that there is a discrepancy on your credit report. The last thing you want is to be inconvenienced with pleading your case to those who may not believe you, feel they've heard it all before and will likely give you a bit of a hard time. If you are certain that collectors are demanding money for a debt that you do not owe, you can't remember or the amount of the debt is incorrect, this debt must be disputed. Your best interest when disputing a debt of this nature is to do it in writing.

Keeping your credit intact is of great importance. Your credit report information is often sold to creditors, insurers, employers and other business. This means that your ability to apply for a loan, purchase a home or car, buy insurance and gain meaningful employment could potentially be on the line. It is important for you to do your part.

Make sure you check for signs of identity theft on your credit report. Fraudulent activity using your name, Social Security number, or your credit card number can be the cause of a major headache when disputing charges.

Protect yourself. ...
... The federal Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA) promotes the privacy and accuracy of information. Under this act both the credit reporting company and the information provider (person/company/organization that provides information about you to a credit reporting company) are responsible for correcting all inaccurate or incomplete information on your report. Be sure to contact the credit reporting company and information provider as soon as possible.

Write a letter. Be sure that this letter is written in a professional manner and fully states your discrepancy. Head the letter with the date, your name and address along with the collector's name and address.

Here's a little of what the body of the letter should entail:

I am writing in response to your (letter or phone call) dated {insert date}, (copy enclosed) because I do not believe I owe what you say I owe.

This is the first I've heard from you, or any other company on this matter therefore, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809(b): Validating Debts:

(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:

* (1) the amount of the debt;
* (2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
* (3) Provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);
* (4) Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in (insert name of your state)

Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For instance, I know that:

* because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of receipt of your dunning notice, you must obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against me and mail these items to me at your expense;
* you cannot add interest or fees except those allowed by the original contract or state law.
* you do not have to respond to this dispute but if you do, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA;

Also be advised that I am keeping very accurate 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 my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.

I have disputed this debt; therefore, until validated you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Thus, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency (CRA) or Credit Bureau (CB) then, you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. 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.

Sincerely,

Signature

If there are any other specifics to your case, be sure to include the information in the dispute letter. Take this letter as a template and modify to your discretion. If you need further assistance please do not hesitate to visit creditelves.com. Help is on the way!