Sample Letters: Credit Disputes

Use the following free sample letters to help you during the credit repair and dispute process.

Knowing what to say when requesting a credit bureau, creditor, or collection agency to do something can be intimidating.

We have assembled examples of how to respond if you are contacted about a debt by a credit card company that you do not believe you owe.

These letters are also helpful once you've unsuccessfully tried to have the negative information removed through the credit bureau dispute process.

Make the creditor prove the alleged debt is indeed yours and that you are legally obligated to pay it. The burden of proof is on them. With the very high rate of identity theft concerning fraudulently opened credit card accounts these days, it is not uncommon.

Sometimes, collection agencies contact people without even identifying what the alleged debt is for. Should this happen to you, here are examples of letters for fighting them off and making them prove you owe the amount they claim you owe.

It is always a good idea to send dispute letters by Registered Mail with Return Receipt Requested in order to maintain a paper trail of all communication with the creditor.

Some advise NOT to provide your signature to collection agents as they could possibly copy it onto other documents. Use your best judgment as to whether you sign these sample letters.

Get Your Credit Report

Checking your credit reports regularly is essential to maintaining good and accurate credit. Click here for an example of a letter you could send to the credit bureaus to request a copy of your credit report.

Attempt to Validate Debt

Under the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act, you are allowed to challenge the validity of a debt that a creditor or collection agency claims you owe.

Here are sample letters for debt validation requests to demand that the creditor or collection agency verify that the debt is actually yours and owed by you.

Make sure to keep copies for your files and send these letters registered mail.

Dispute with Credit Bureau

Customize these letters to dispute directly with the credit bureaus rather than the individual creditor.

Cease and Desist

Tell bill collectors to leave you alone with these sample cease and desist order letters. You have the right to demand that all phone calls regarding any debt some bill collector claims you owe are STOPPED.

You can tell them to only contact you in writing so you have records of everything they say to you.

Be sure to document when you send the request to stop phone communication with you about their alleged debt.

Inquiry Removal Request

Inquiries on your credit report hurt your credit score. This sample letter asks the creditor to remove the inquiry.

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