How to Respond to Collection Agencies Within 30 Days

If you receive a letter from a collection agency demanding payment for a debt owed, you have a legal right to dispute the debt. The dispute must be done in writing and within 30 days of receiving the letter from the collection agency.

Instructions

1

Write the dispute letter. In the letter to the collection agency, state that you do not believe you owe the debt or that you dispute the amount you allegedly owe. Many times, the original debt has fees and interest attached that makes an original debt substantially higher. Request an itemized accounting of all money owed.

2

Send the letter return receipt requested. The letter must be sent within 30 days of receiving the letter from the collection agency. When you send the letter, make sure you request a return receipt from the post office. This means that the collection agency will have to sign for the letter and a copy of the receipt will be sent to you. This will assure the collection agency cannot later state you did not respond to their initial demand for payment.

3

Wait for the collection agency to respond. While the collection agency determines the exact amount of the debt, or if you owe the debt at all, collection attempts must be suspended. This means the agency is not allowed to send any more letters demanding payment, call you about the debt or take any legal action against you. Sometimes agencies terminate the attempt to collect the debt, because they do not have the proof or they aren't the legal owner of the debt. Either way, by sending the dispute letter, you are placing the responsibility of proving you owe the debt on the collection agency.