// debt collector response — not my debt
"This Is Not My Debt"
Use this letter to tell a debt collector that you are not responsible for the debt they are trying to collect, and that you want them to stop contacting you unless they can provide evidence of your obligation. Stopping contact does not cancel the debt — the collector could still take other action, including suing you or reporting the debt to a credit bureau.
[YOUR NAME] [YOUR RETURN ADDRESS] [DATE] [DEBT COLLECTOR NAME] [DEBT COLLECTOR ADDRESS] Re: [ACCOUNT NUMBER FOR THE DEBT, IF YOU HAVE IT] Dear debt collector, I am responding to your contact about collecting a debt. You contacted me by [PHONE/MAIL], on [DATE] and identified the debt as [ANY INFORMATION THEY GAVE YOU ABOUT THE DEBT]. I do not have any responsibility for the debt you're trying to collect. If you have good reason to believe that I am responsible for this debt, mail me the documents that make you believe that. Stop all other communication with me and with this address, and record that I dispute having any obligation for this debt. If you stop your collection of this debt, and forward or return it to another company, please indicate to them that it is disputed. If you report it to a credit bureau (or have already done so), also report that the debt is disputed. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]
Sending instructions
- Fill in your information on the template and edit as needed to fit your situation
- Print and mail the letter — keep a copy for your records
- Send via certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery
- Stopping contact does not cancel the debt — you could still be sued
- The collector can still contact you to say they won't contact you again, or to notify you of legal action
- Keep all records of communication