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Dispute letter to a debt collector

Got a collection letter for a debt you don't recognize, already paid, or think is wrong? Send a written dispute or a request for more information. Doing it within 30 days of their first letter makes them pause collection until they verify the debt.

  • ✓ Free, no sign-up
  • ✓ Built on your device — nothing sent
  • ✓ Cites the right law for each recipient
  • ✓ Print, PDF or copy
1. Who are you writing to?
2. Your details
3. The debt collector
4. What you'll enclose

Send copies, never originals.

Your letter

Letter to the debt collector
October 23, 2026 [Debt collector name] Re: Dispute of the debt you are collecting To whom it may concern: You contacted me about a debt you are trying to collect. I dispute this debt. This debt is not mine. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b)) and Regulation F (12 CFR § 1006.34), because I am disputing this debt in writing within the validation period, you must stop collection until you send me verification of the debt. Please send me: - The name and address of the original creditor and the account number with that creditor - A copy of the documents showing that I owe this debt - An itemization of the amount, including interest, fees and payments since the itemization date If you have reported this debt to any credit reporting company, please report it as disputed. Enclosed are: - A copy of my credit report with the disputed items circled - A copy of my driver's license or other government ID - A copy of a utility bill or bank statement showing my current address Sincerely, [Your name]

Mail it the right way

  1. Sign the letter and attach copies of what you listed.
  2. Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested — your proof of the date it arrived.
  3. Keep a copy of everything you send.
  4. Keep paying attention to deadlines in the collector's letter, and don't ignore a lawsuit — respond to court papers by their deadline.

Sample dispute letter to a debt collector

This is exactly what the builder produces for an example medical bill that was already paid. Use the tool above to make yours.

October 20, 2026 Jane Doe 123 Main St Columbus, OH 43215 ABC Collections LLC 100 Collector Way Dallas, TX 75201 Re: Dispute of the debt you are collecting (account 77881) To whom it may concern: You contacted me on October 2, 2026 about a debt you are trying to collect (original creditor Main Street Medical, account 77881, amount $1,240.00). I dispute this debt. I have already paid this debt. I paid this bill in full on March 3, 2025; a copy of my receipt is enclosed. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b)) and Regulation F (12 CFR § 1006.34), because I am disputing this debt in writing within the validation period, you must stop collection until you send me verification of the debt. Please send me: - The name and address of the original creditor and the account number with that creditor - A copy of the documents showing that I owe this debt - An itemization of the amount, including interest, fees and payments since the itemization date If you have reported this debt to any credit reporting company, please report it as disputed. Enclosed are: - A copy of my credit report with the disputed items circled - A copy of my driver's license or other government ID - A copy of a utility bill or bank statement showing my current address Sincerely, Jane Doe

Where to send a credit dispute

Equifax

Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

Dispute online →

Experian

Experian P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013

Dispute online →

TransUnion

TransUnion Consumer Solutions P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016-2000

Dispute online →

Addresses checked on each bureau's own dispute page on October 18, 2026. Disputes are free.

What happens after you send it

  1. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute (45 days if you send more information during that time), pass your documents to the company that reported the item, and send you the results in writing within 5 business days of finishing. Items that are wrong or can't be verified must be corrected or deleted (FCRA § 611).
  2. The company that reported it generally must investigate a direct dispute within 30 days too (Regulation V).
  3. Debt collectors must stop collecting a debt you dispute in writing during the validation period until they send you verification (FDCPA § 809 and Regulation F).
  4. If the result is wrong, you can dispute again with new evidence, add a statement to your file, or submit a complaint to the CFPB.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to dispute a debt with a collector?+

The collector's first letter (the validation notice) shows the date your validation period ends — usually about 30 days after you receive it. A written dispute or request for information before that date requires the collector to stop collecting until it responds. You can still dispute after that date, but the collector doesn't have to pause.

Will disputing a debt hurt my credit?+

No. Disputing doesn't lower your score. If the collector reports the debt, it should report it as disputed.

Is it free to dispute my credit report?+

Yes. Disputing errors with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion is free, and so is this letter builder. You can also check your reports for free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Do I need a credit repair company?+

No. The FTC says that everything a credit repair company can legally do for you, you can do yourself for little or no cost. No company can legally remove accurate, current negative information from your report.

What is a 609 letter, and does it work?+

Section 609 of the FCRA gives you the right to see what's in your credit file. It isn't a special way to delete accounts. Accurate items can stay even if you send a '609 letter'. What works is disputing information that is actually wrong under section 611 — which is what this letter does.

Should I dispute online or by mail?+

Both work. Mail with a return receipt gives you proof of what you sent and when, and lets you attach documents and a copy of your report with the errors circled. Online is faster to file. Whichever you use, keep copies.

Is my information sent anywhere?+

No. The letter is built in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to Numlight or anyone else. If you choose to save a draft, it stays in this browser only, and SSN digits are never saved.

General information and sample letters, not legal advice. Numlight is not a law firm or a credit repair organization and doesn't send letters for you. Only dispute information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. Sources: CFPB — disputing credit report errors; 15 U.S.C. § 1681i; 12 CFR § 1006.34.