Wrongful collections letter — how do I respond?
On wrongful collections letter (wrong amount, already paid, or too high): (1) Check the claim: calculate maximum allowed collection costs at schuldinfo.nl/incassocalculator. (2) Reply in writing (email + post) disputing + why. DON'T ignore — costs accumulate. (3) Pay only principal + statutory costs: notify in writing that you paid. (4) Complaint to agency: no response within 2 weeks to creditor, then NVI dispute committee. (5) Suspect fraud: Fraudehelpdesk. Collection agency may NOT seize assets without court ruling. Threatening bailiff without ruling = deception. Complaint at ConsuWijzer.
Step by step
- 1Check claim + costsIs amount correct? Statutory max collection costs: 15% of principal + €40 min. Calculate at schuldinfo.nl.
- 2Reply in writingEmail + registered letter with dispute + reason + proof. Template at consuwijzer.nl/incasso.
- 3Pay only legal maximumPrincipal + max statutory costs separately, with “under reservation of rights” in description.
- 4Complaint to NVIFor unprofessional agency: nvio.nl complaint form. Industry oversight via NVI mark.
- 5Suspected fraud: FraudehelpdeskDon't trust the agency? fraudehelpdesk.nl. For ghost invoice: see ghost-invoice scenario.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay without an agreement?
No, without contract you owe nothing. Request written proof of valid agreement. Keep all correspondence.
Can I ignore the agency?
NOT advised — costs accumulate + risk of further collection steps. Always reply in writing, even disputing. Keep send proof.
Can the agency seize assets?
Only AFTER court ruling. Agencies may NOT threaten with measures they can't execute — report this to ConsuWijzer.
Sources
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