Debt collection letter? 5 things you need to know
Mail from a debt collection agency? You should always check these 5 points!
A letter from a debt collection agency often causes stress – but before you pay too quickly or don’t react at all, you should check the situation carefully. After all, not every claim is justified – and sometimes there are even fraudulent intentions behind it. We show you 5 things you need to be aware of when dealing with debt collection mail:
1. check the authenticity of the debt collection agency
Is the debt collection agency even registered?
In Germany, you can easily check this in the legal services register. Caution is advised with foreign companies – here you should also research online and pay attention to testimonials. Our tip: Reputable debt collection companies operate transparently.
2. check claim for correctness
Do you not recognize the claim?
Then you should immediately reject the claim in writing. Simply ignoring it is not enough – otherwise the debt collection agency will continue to put pressure on you. The best way to do this is to use a legally compliant sample letter, e.g. our PepperPapers document “Defending against a debt collection claim”.
3. check the limitation period of the claim
Many debt collection claims are time-barred – especially if the invoice is more than three years old. But beware: the statute of limitations does not apply automatically. You must actively invoke the statute of limitations in writing, e.g. with our document “Claim is time-barred”.
4. Payment in installments? Only with caution!
A premature installment payment can be considered an acknowledgement of debt. This means you lose the opportunity to contest the claim later. If you pay, then only under reserve – and do not sign any document without a legal check.
5. know the current legal situation
Debt collection law is changing. Consumer advocates are calling for stricter rules – and it is quite possible that new laws will soon put debt collection companies more firmly in their place. So keep up to date – e.g. with our newsletter and the PepperPapers YouTube channel.
Conclusion: Keep calm and react correctly
Debt collection mail is no reason to panic – but it is a reason to act. If you follow the 5 points in this article, you can effectively defend yourself against unjustified claims. Even better: use our matching PepperPapers documents to react in a legally compliant manner.
🔒 Protect yourself legally now:
📬 Any questions?
Get your first aid advice and check out our YouTube channel – where we regularly explain how to protect yourself from legal pitfalls in everyday life.
