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I Don't Owe the Debt

Steps to take when a debt collector contacts you about a debt you don't owe or have already paid.

1 min read

Are you being contacted about a debt you don't owe? Maybe you already paid it, or it isn't yours at all. Either way, there are steps you can take.

What if I don't owe the debt?

Because debt collectors frequently operate without the original account records, they sometimes confuse identities or demand debts that were already paid. Write the collector (certified mail, return receipt requested) explaining that the account was never yours or that you already paid it, and include proof of payment if you have it.

Save copies of everything. If the collector closes the account, keep the letter somewhere safe — they sometimes sell the account to another collector after telling you it's closed.

Get help

If the collector won't stop, or if you're being sued, low-wage workers can contact our office at no charge.

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