How to Stop a Collection Agency from Harassing You with Debt Calls That Aren’t Yours

Debt collection can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially when it involves creditors contacting you about a debt that is not yours. If you receive calls from a collection agency about a debt you do not owe, there are steps you can take to make them stop. One of the most effective methods is using the "Drop Dead" letter, a formal notification that can protect you from continued harassment.

Understanding When Collection Agencies Can Contact You

Collection agencies have the right to contact you if they have reason to believe that you owe a debt. This may occur even if you do not recognize the debt or believe it is someone else's. To put an immediate stop to these calls, it's important to use a formal letter, typically referred to as a "Drop Dead" letter.

The "Drop Dead" Letter – Your Strong Defense

A Drop Dead letter is a legally binding document that informs the collection agency in writing that the debt is not yours and that you are notifying them of this fact. It also specifies that any further calls will be considered harassment and recorded for proof of communication. In this case, notifying the collection agency that you will take legal action can be a powerful deterrent.

Here is a sample template for a Drop Dead letter:

Letter Header:

Date: [Insert Date]

To: [Name of Collection Agency]

[Address of Collection Agency]

From:

Full Name: [Your Full Name]

Address: [Your Full Address]

Phone: [Your Telephone Number]

Email: [Your Email Address]

Body of the Letter:

I am writing to inform you that the debt owed under this letter and any subsequent calls to me are not related to me or owed by me. I have provided my full name, date of birth, address, and telephone number associated with the debt. Please immediately cease and desist all further attempts to contact me with regard to this debt as it is not mine.

Furthermore, any further calls to the number provided above in connection with this debt shall be recorded and should this harassment continue, I will provide proof of such communication to the Attorney General, who will issue fines and penalties of [500 per call] for any calls made after this date.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Full Name]

Proving the Debt is Not Ours

Once you send the Drop Dead letter, the collection agency should stop calling. However, if they persist, there are some steps to validate that the debt does indeed not belong to you:

Provide your full name, date of birth, and address to the collection agency. Ask them to confirm the account details, including the creditor, amount, and any payments made. Compare the information provided to your own records and bank statements. If discrepancies are found, file a formal dispute with the credit bureaus to correct the erroneous information.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Debt collectors have the responsibility to verify the identities of individuals they are contacting. If you receive calls about a debt you do not owe, send a Drop Dead letter to stop the harassment immediately. By notifying the collection agency in writing and providing your identifying information, you can protect yourself from continued attempts to collect on a debt that is not yours.

Remember, if the calls continue or the debt is mistakenly recorded as yours, file a dispute with the credit bureaus and consider seeking legal advice.

Keywords: collection agency, debt dispute, stop debt calls