Here are seven sample letters you can customize and send to handle tough issues like billing statement errors, credit report disputes, and debt-validation requests. The cease-and-desist letter only applies to a specific debt collector, so you will have to send another one if a new collector takes over that debt or you have debts with multiple debt collectors. You can also use a cease-and-desist letter to stop wrong-number collection calls. You can customize this sample credit letter and send it to debt collectors who continue to attempt collections on a debt that has an expired statute of limitations. Be careful that you don’t say anything in your letter that could restart the statute of limitations. Even acknowledging that you owe the debt can restart the clock, giving the collector more time to sue you. A written billing error dispute letter is necessary if you want the card issuer to abide by the Fair Credit Billing Act. The law requires creditors to investigate your dispute as long as your letter is sent within a specific timeframe. It also allows you to withhold payment for the disputed amount while the investigation is underway.
