What should I do with a letter from a debt collection agency?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Do not pay blindly, but do not ignore the letter either. First ask for a clear specification and evidence of the original invoice.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
Your personal starting plan
Start with these three steps. Open the explanation that fits your situation and then complete your checklist.
Go to your checklist and preparation
This starting plan helps you prepare and saves nothing automatically. It is not an individual legal assessment and does not monitor deadlines.
On this page
Check the basics
Ask who the original invoice is from, what it is for and from when payment could be demanded. Also ask how the original amount, interest and additional costs were calculated.
Dispute in writing
If you do not recognise the debt or part of it is incorrect, explain exactly what you dispute and request the contract, invoice and payment history. If appropriate, pay only the undisputed part.
Avoid further costs
If the claim is correct but you cannot pay it all at once, immediately request a feasible written payment arrangement and monitor new letters or a summons.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Name of original creditor
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Name of original creditor
- Contract or invoice
- Principal amount
- Fourteen-day letter
- Calculation of interest and costs
- Any payments
Frequently asked questions
Can a debt collection agency seize assets?
Not independently. Seizure generally requires a bailiff and an enforceable title.
Must I pay unknown debts?
First ask for evidence and dispute it in writing if you do not know of any agreement.