This letter doesn’t have to be long, all you have to do is tell the debt collector that you do not want to be contacted about this debt anymore or that you refuse to pay the debt. Remember, you only have the right to stop contacts from a debt collector, not a creditor. If the debt collector transfers the debt to another collector, you have to write a new letter to the new collector.
If you owe the debt, but you want to stop collection harassment, use the first option: “Please do not contact me anymore about this debt.”
If you want to stop collection and you have an honest dispute over the debt, use the second option: “Please do not contact me anymore about this debt. It is disputed. I refuse to pay it.” Be sure to include an explanation of the dispute as well.
Advising the debt collector in writing that you dispute the debt will require the debt collector to report to any credit reporting agency that the debt is disputed. In some credit scoring systems, disputed debts do not hurt your score as much as undisputed debts. Remember to be honest. Don’t make up a phony dispute. If you have to sue, you will be made to look like a liar in front of the jury and your case will go right down the drain.
May 4, 2011
Via Certified Mail, No. 8978 3245 3999 3876 2329
Debt Collector
Address
City, State Zip
Re: Big Department Store Credit Card Account No. 9898989, Your Account No. 43098
To Whom It May Concern:
Please do not contact me anymore about this debt.
or
Please do not contact me anymore. This debt is disputed. I refuse to pay it.
I am disputing this debt because the charges you are trying to collect were incurred by an identity thief.
Sincerely
Jane Q. Consumer