How to Follow Up a Dispute Letter

If it has been thirty days since you disputed a debt and you still have not received a response from the creditor, then you should follow-up with that creditor as soon as possible. It is common for creditors to become overwhelmed with disputes, and sometimes dispute letters get overlooked. However, sometimes creditors simply ignore dispute letters because they do not want to spend time trying to validate a debt. Learn the proper way to follow-up a dispute letter.

Instructions

1

Locate the original dispute letter that you sent to the creditor. You will need this letter as part of the follow-up process. Also, if you sent your dispute letter via certified mail, locate the receipt you received from the post office or mail center.

2

Prepare a formal follow-up letter. In your follow up letter, remind the creditor of your dispute and give them the exact date that you mailed the first dispute letter to their office. Be sure to remind the creditor that you are requesting them to validate the debt in question and to supply you with valid proof of the debt. You should also inform the creditor that if they fail to respond to your dispute letters in a timely manner, you will contact the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau and your State Attorney General's office.

3

Attach a copy of the first dispute letter to your follow-up letter. It is a good idea to submit both letters together, so the creditor can immediately refer to your first letter without having to waste time looking for it. Be sure to also attach a copy of your receipt from the post office

4

Send your follow-up letter to the creditor. Be sure to send your letter via Certified Mail and request a Return Receipt at the post office--the green postcard with the recipient's signature.

5

Wait for a response. If you have not received a response from the creditor within two weeks, then you should give the creditor a call. If you are still unsuccessful and cannot reach the creditor by phone or email, then you should contact the major credit bureaus for assistance--Experian, Equifax and TransUnion--or seek legal advice.