Which Letter Should I Send?
Answer up to six questions. We'll point you to the letter or guide that fits — or tell you when a letter isn't the right move.
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In general: if you've been sued, respond to the lawsuit first. If a third-party collector contacted you and you're inside the validation window, send a validation letter. If the contact itself is the problem and the window has passed, send a cease and desist letter. If your credit report has an error, dispute it with the credit bureaus.
Respond to the lawsuit first. A letter won't answer a lawsuit or pause the court's deadline. Find the response deadline on your summons and file a written answer before it passes. How to respond to a debt lawsuit → · Find free help →
FDCPA letters won't do much here. The original creditor collecting its own debt generally isn't covered by the FDCPA. Ask in writing for statements and a breakdown of the balance, check your state's collection law, and dispute anything inaccurate on your credit report under the FCRA. Original creditor vs. debt collector →
First, find out who you're dealing with. Check the letters you've received and your credit reports, or ask: "Are you the original creditor or collecting for someone else? Who owns this account now?" The answer decides which rules apply. How to tell →
Send a debt validation letter — before the date on your notice. Dispute in writing and ask for verification and the original creditor's name and address. The collector must pause collection until it mails verification. Sample validation letter → · Check your deadline →
Validate first, and limit contact in the same letter. Dispute and request verification, and ask the collector to contact you by mail only (or not at work). You get quiet without cutting off the answers you're owed. Which letter first →
A cease and desist letter fits. Your validation window has passed and the contact is the problem. Tell the collector in writing to stop contacting you. It stops the calls; it doesn't erase the debt or stop a lawsuit. Sample cease letter → · You can still dispute the debt in writing in the same letter.
No validation notice? Write that down. A debt collector must send one within five days of first contacting you, and your 30-day window doesn't start until you receive it. Log the date of the first contact, then dispute in writing and ask for verification. A missing notice can itself be a violation worth showing a consumer attorney. Document it →
This is a decision, not a dispute. The debt is yours and you agree with the amount. Your options: ask for pay-for-delete, settle or pay (in writing first), or let it age off. Check your state's statute of limitations before paying on an old debt.
Dispute the error with the credit bureaus. Send a specific, documented dispute to each bureau showing the error. How to dispute → · Sample dispute letter →
If it's accurate, the law generally lets it stay. Your options: a goodwill letter, pay-for-delete, or letting it age off. See your removal date →
That may be an FDCPA violation. Start documenting every contact now — you generally have one year from a violation to sue. How to document violations → · Printable call log →