“The debt collector says I can’t dispute by phone. Is this right?”


“The debt collector says I can’t dispute by phone. Is this right?”

"The debt collector says I can't dispute by phone. Is this right?"No.

The debt collector is lying to you.

And assuming this is a debt and a debt collector covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you may be able to sue for this type of lie.

Understand that you have an absolute right to dispute debt that a debt collector is collecting on.

You don’t have to give a reason for your dispute.

And you can do it by phone or in writing.

Now I recommend you do it in writing (certified mail, return receipt requested) just so you can easily prove you did dispute the debt.

If you do it by phone, unless you record the conversation, understand the debt collector will normally lie about you disputing it.

Think about it this way.

If they will lie and say you must dispute in writing only, then they will lie about you disputing it in the first place.

So go ahead and do it by phone but also follow up with a letter.

We suggest this simple dispute letter to debt collectors.

And this is a good time to remind you to carefully document everything about the call:

  • When you called
  • Who you called
  • What was said
  • How long the call lasted

Easiest way to do this is by using your cell phone and taking a screen shot of the call (date, time, length, phone number, etc) and then adding a detailed account of what was said.

Contact us if you have any questions.

If you are dealing with debt collectors and you live in Alabama, give us a call at 205-879-2447 or fill out our contact us page and we will get right back with you to answer your questions and send you free resources on dealing with debt collectors.  

You have rights — understand what they are and then take action.

Best wishes

John G. Watts

Birmingham, Alabama

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