Debt Collector: Request Information Letter

// debt collector response — request information

"Tell Me More About This Debt"

Use this letter to ask a debt collector for detailed information about a debt they are trying to collect. Send it as soon as possible — ideally within 30 days of when a debt collector first contacts you. Even if 30 days have passed, you can still ask for information, though the collector may not be legally required to provide it.

Back to dispute letters [YOUR NAME] [YOUR RETURN ADDRESS] [DATE] [DEBT COLLECTOR NAME] [DEBT COLLECTOR ADDRESS] Re: [ACCOUNT NUMBER FOR THE DEBT, IF YOU HAVE IT] Dear debt collector: I am responding to your contact about a debt you are trying to collect. You contacted me by [PHONE/MAIL], on [DATE] and identified the debt as [ANY INFORMATION THEY GAVE YOU ABOUT THE DEBT]. Please supply the information below so that I can be fully informed: Why you think I owe the debt, and to whom I owe it, including: - The name and address of the creditor to whom the debt is currently owed, the account number used by that creditor, and the amount owed. - If this debt started with a different creditor, provide the name and address of the original creditor, the account number used by that creditor, and the amount owed to that creditor at the time it was transferred. When you identify the original creditor, please provide any other name by which I might know them, if different from the official name. In addition, tell me when the current creditor obtained the debt and who the current creditor obtained it from. - Provide verification and documentation that there is a valid basis for claiming that I am required to pay the debt to the current creditor. For example, can you provide a copy of the written agreement that created my original requirement to pay? - If you are asking that I pay a debt that somebody else is or was required to pay, identify that person. Provide verification and documentation about why this is a debt that I am required to pay. The amount and age of the debt, specifically: - A copy of the last billing statement sent to me by the original creditor. - State the amount of the debt when you obtained it, and when that was. - If there have been any additional interest, fees, or charges added since the last billing statement from the original creditor, provide an itemization showing the dates and amount of each added amount. In addition, explain how the added interest, fees, or other charges are expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or are permitted by law. - If there have been any payments or other reductions since the last billing statement from the original creditor, provide an itemization showing the dates and amount of each of them. - If there have been any other changes or adjustments since the last billing statement from the original creditor, please provide full verification and documentation of the amount you are trying to collect. Explain how that amount was calculated. In addition, explain how the other changes or adjustments are expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law. - Tell me when the creditor claims this debt became due and when it became delinquent. - Identify the date of the last payment made on this account. - Have you made a determination that this debt is within the statute of limitations applicable to it? Tell me when you think the statute of limitations expires for this debt, and how you determined that. I have asked for this information because I have some questions about this debt. Because of my questions, please consider the debt to be disputed at this time. If you stop your collection of this debt, and forward or return it 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. In addition, you should state in any report that you have failed to fully verify the debt in response to my request (unless you have already provided all the necessary information). If you fail to provide any of the information or documentation I have asked for, please say why. If you do not provide it, and do not adequately explain why, I will understand that you are unable to confirm or document your claims. Details about your authority to collect this debt: - I would like more information about your firm before I discuss the debt with you. Does your firm have a debt collection license from my state? If not, say why not. If so, provide the date of the license, the name on the license, the license number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the state agency issuing the license. - If you are contacting me from a place outside my state, does your firm have a debt collection license from that place? If so, provide the date of the license, the name on the license, the license number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the state agency issuing the license. Please let me know whether you are prepared to accept less than the balance you are claiming is owed on this account. If so, please tell me in writing your offer to accept less than the full balance. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]

Sending instructions

• Fill in your information on the template and edit as needed
• Delete any bullets that don't apply to you or aren't information you're looking for
• Print and send the letter as soon as you can — ideally within 30 days of first contact
• Send via certified mail with return receipt
• Keep a copy for your records
• If the collector makes vague threats, read their response carefully — federal law prohibits threats they can't or won't act on
• State statutes of limitations vary — a partial payment can restart the clock in some states