Check first, then respond
- Do you know the creditor? Is there a contract at all?
- Is the amount right? Have you already paid or withdrawn?
- Time-barred? Most claims expire after three years at year-end (§§ 195, 199 BGB).
- Legitimate agency? Collection agencies must be listed in the Legal Services Register.
Our free tool check a debt collection claim walks you through these questions.
Details you can demand
Under § 13a RDG the agency must state, among other things, the client, the reason for the claim with contract date, an interest calculation and the type and amount of collection costs. If missing, request them in writing. Collection costs may not exceed what a lawyer could charge (§ 13e RDG).
How to dispute correctly
- Quote reference number and date of the collection letter.
- State clearly that you dispute the claim in its basis and amount, with a short reason.
- Don't acknowledge the debt or make part payments if it isn't owed.
- Send by Einwurfeinschreiben and keep a copy.
Sample text
Dear Sir or Madam,
regarding your letter of [date], ref. [number]: I dispute the claim in its basis and amount because [reason]. Please provide the information required by § 13a RDG. Passing the disputed claim to credit agencies is not permitted.
Yours faithfully
Important: never ignore a court payment order
If a yellow letter from the court (Mahnbescheid) arrives, you have only two weeks to object (§ 692 ZPO). Objecting to the agency does not replace it.
Matching templates: object to a debt collection claim and object to a court payment order.
Note: This article is not legal advice.