Dispute a Debt You Do Not Owe: Sample Letter

If a collector asks for a debt you do not recognise or believe you do not owe, explain the dispute and request evidence through verified contact details.

In this article, we’ll help you:

•  Understand why a debt collector might be chasing you.
•  Learn how to ask for proof of debt.
•  Discover what counts as proof of debt.
•  Find out what to do after you have sent your ‘prove it’ letter.

We know that dealing with debt can be scary and confusing. So, we’ve also included a ‘prove the debt’ letter template you can use and other letter templates for different debt situations. 

Remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide you through each step of the process.

Letter Template

Dear complaints team,

Account reference: [reference]

I dispute liability for the account above because [state the actual reason, such as mistaken identity, previous payment or an incorrect balance]. This letter does not admit liability.

Please identify the original and current creditor, provide an itemised balance and the evidence you rely on, and investigate the points I have raised. Please explain whether you own the account or act for another creditor.

Where FCA consumer-credit rules apply, please suspend recovery while investigating a dispute raised on valid or potentially valid grounds, and provide a timely written explanation of your findings. Please correct any inaccurate records and confirm the outcome.

Please communicate with me by [reasonable preferred method]. If you consider a payment is still due, explain why and provide the relevant evidence and complaint-escalation information.

Yours faithfully, [name]

Downloadable Resource

The download links below take you to a Google document template where you can make a copy or save in any document format you like. Note, you may have to login to your Google account.

Download – Single (for one person)
Download – Joint (for couples)

Why are they chasing me?

When a debt collection agency chases someone for a debt, they use the information available to them to track them down. Two of the most valuable pieces of information are the debtor’s name and their last known address. You might have received a debt payment request because you have the same name as someone who owes money or because you now live at an address where the real debtor once lived. 

Mistaken identity, inaccurate records, a disputed balance or a genuine unfamiliar account are all possible. Do not assume the collector’s motive or pay without checking.

A collector may own the debt or act for another creditor. Ask which applies and verify the original account.

Explain the reason for your dispute accurately. If you are unsure, ask for account details rather than claiming facts you do not know.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

How do I ask for evidence?

Ask for the creditor’s name, account reference, balance breakdown and evidence that you are liable. For regulated consumer credit debts, a firm must pause recovery while it investigates a dispute on valid or potentially valid grounds. A request for information does not itself cancel the debt or extend a court deadline.

Adapt the template to your circumstances and debt type. It cannot guarantee an outcome or replace a court defence.

But, what is proof of debt?

Useful evidence can include the agreement, statements, payment records, invoices and assignment details, depending on the debt.

An original signed contract is not a universal proof requirement. A compliant statutory Consumer Credit Act response can sometimes use a reconstituted copy. Missing documents may affect enforceability in particular cases, but do not automatically cancel every debt.

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Natasha

Very helpful and informative thank you

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After you have sent the prove it letter

Check any response against your records. Even where liability is established, the amount, limitation, payment history or affordability may still need advice.

If evidence is missing or the response does not resolve a genuine dispute, follow up or complain and keep records. Do not ignore a Letter of Claim, court papers or enforcement notice while waiting.

If contact is unreasonable, state your concerns and reasonable contact preferences in a complaint. Use the appropriate escalation route for the debt and activity.