Instructions for the Do Not Contact Letter
Return to Debtor Protection Kit Checklist
- Delete the reference to federal law if the letter is addressed to a creditor rather than a collection agency.
- Additional information to consider adding if applicable: reason the debt is not owed; why the amount claimed is inaccurate; limited income; no savings or assets; poor health.
1.) Send the letter by regular mail.
2.) Keep a copy of the letter.
3.) Collection agencies do not always obey the law and stop contact. In that case you should keep a log of calls with date, time, and name of person calling. This could be used as evidence in a complaint or lawsuit.
4.) While the following agencies take complaints about collection agencies there is no guarantee they will take action to enforce the law in your particular case. If a collection agency violates the law you can sue for money damages and reasonable attorney fees. There is a one year statute of limitations for suing.
Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
Washington, D.C. 20580
877-382-4357 (toll free)
www.ftc.gov
DO NOT MAIL THESE INSTRUCTIONS- KEEP THEM FOR YOUR RECORDS
Sample Letter:
Date:______
To: Company Name and Address
From: Your Name and Address
Re: Acct # __________
Dear sir or madam:
In accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am writing to notify you to cease further communication with me regarding my account number ____Acct Number___________ with ____Company Name____________.
If you continue to contact me in violation of the law I will pursue my legal remedies.
This letter is not an acknowledgement that I owe any money to you.
Sincerely,
Your Name