<\/p>\n
Keep a copy of the letter for your records in case you need it later!<\/strong> \twww.mobilizationforjustice.org\/projects\/consumer-rights-project<\/a> \twww.lawhelpny.org\/issues\/consumer<\/a>
\nIf you’re not sure what to say or how to send it, look at the sample letter below:<\/strong>
\n
\n[Date]<\/span>
\n[Your name]<\/span>
\n[Your return address]<\/span>
\n[Debt collector name] [Debt collector Address]<\/span>
\n
\nRe: [Account number for the debt, if you have it]<\/span>
\n
\nDear [Debt collector name],<\/span>
\n
\nI am responding to your contact about a debt you are attempting to collect. You contacted me by [phone\/mail<\/em><\/strong>], on [date<\/em><\/strong>]. You identified the debt as [any information they gave you about the debt]<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span>
\n
\nPlease stop all communication with me and with this address about this debt.<\/span>
\n
\n[If you dispute the debt, include the following:] Record that I dispute having any obligation for this debt. If you forward or return this debt 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.<\/span>
\n
\nThank you for your cooperation. <\/span>
\n
\nSincerely,<\/span>
\n
\n[Your name<\/strong>]<\/span>
\n
\nTo find sample letters that better fit your situation, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov\/ask-cfpb\/what-should-i-do-when-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-en-1695<\/a>.
\n
\nOnce you print and sign your letter, visit your local post office and request a “Return Receipt” when sending your letter. It confirms delivery with the recipient’s signature. While it may cost a bit more, ensuring the collector received your letter is important for two key reasons:<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nOnce the collector receives your letter, they can only reach out again if they’re moving forward with legal actions like a lawsuit. Just a quick note: your original creditor can still contact you. Remember, sending that letter doesn\u2019t erase your debt, so it\u2019s important to keep up with your payments. And if you ever get a letter about a lawsuit, be sure to take it seriously and don\u2019t ignore it!
\n
\nFor help about how to deal with debt and debt collectors, see below.<\/strong>
\n <\/p>\nResources<\/strong><\/h6>\n
\n\n
\n \t212-417-3881. Call on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n \t<\/ul>\n\n
\n Free Resources\n<\/ul>\n