Both sample letters have been modified from those made available on Debt Consolidation Care. See Chapter Nine for information about debt collection.

1. Dispute letter
2. Cease and desist letter

1. Dispute Letter

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Collection agency’s address]

[Date]

Dear [name of collection agency]:

I am writing in response to your [letter or phone call] dated [insert date], (copy enclosed) because I am disputing the alleged debt.

Before you contact me again, please provide me with the following documentation:

• proof that you own the debt or are authorized to collect on this debt on behalf of the current owner;
• proof that the debt was actually incurred by me with respect to the original creditor;
• a copy of any judgment (if applicable);
• proof that you are licensed to collect debts in [insert name of your state]

Be advised that I have documented all correspondence with respect to this debt and will not hesitate to report any violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau.

Finally, if you are not authorized to collect this debt thereon, I demand that you immediately forward this dispute letter to the original creditor to inform them of my dispute.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your printed name]

2. Cease and Desist Letter

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Collection agency’s address]

[Date]

Dear [name of collection agency]:

This letter comes in response to your repeated attempts to contact me regarding an alleged debt, which I am contesting.

I demand that you cease and desist from any further attempt to contact me at work or by phone.

Please be aware that I will continue to document all attempts to communicate with me with respect to the alleged debt, and that any further such attempts may constitute a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and the national Better Business Bureau.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your printed name]