BankRate.com has posted two really good form letters you can use when dealing with debt collectors. It’s best to arm yourself with knowledge before you take on the likes of a collection agency.

Getting out of debt requires an aggressive plan, especially when dealing with collection agencies. Proactive measures can save you money and time, as well as help you avoid drastic consequences, such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment. These letters will help you take control of the situation.

Responding to a debt collector
Debt collectors ringing your phone off the hook for a debt you don’t owe? This letter will set them straight.

Negotiating with debt collectors
When you’re ready to get a debt out of collections, it’s in your best interest to get the best deal possible. This letter will get your negotiations started.

Form letters for debt collector problems

technorati tags:Debt Collection Letters, Sample letters, collections, debt

Sample letter: (This is a sample and does not qualify as legal advice. Please consult your attoreny before using this letter.)

Suggested Settlement Letter

I, YOUR NAME HERE, will pay your company, CA NAME, the amount of $XX as full settlement of this account.

If you accept this agreement, I will send you a money order or certified cashiers check for the settlement amount of $XX in exchange for a full deletion of all references regarding this account from my credit profile and full satisfaction of the debt.

This agreement is binding and will be void should you not hold up to your end of the agreement. Furthermore the debt will be deleted from my credit profile at all three credit bureaus or the bureaus your company regularly reports to in the course of doing business.
If you agree to the above, please acknowledge with your signature and return a copy to me. Upon receipt of this signed acknowledgment, I will promptly send you a money order or cashiers check in the amount stated above.

The alleged debtor, YOUR NAME HERE, does not admit liability for the claims made by COLLECTION AGENCY. The purpose of this settlement is merely to avoid the potential future costs of litigation. Both parties agree that this settlement for X% of the disputed debt shall be confidential and in no way an admission of liability or acknowledgment that the debt is valid.

Both parties agree that no future reporting or verification of the alleged debt shall be provided to any credit bureau.

Notice: This agreement is restricted. This is not a renewed promise to pay but rather a restricted settlement offer only. By not signing below, you agree that the debt has not been renewed nor have any concrete written agreements been exchanged.

Creditor’s Authorized Signature: ____________________________________

Date: