Debt collection guide
A Debt Collector Is Contacting Me About Debt I Don’t Owe
How to challenge an unfamiliar, paid, duplicated, or incorrect debt.
Do not assume the claim is correct. Save the notice, compare it with your records, and dispute the incorrect part in writing. If the validation period is open, use the deadline shown and preserve delivery evidence.
What to do next
- Identify whether the problem is identity, payment, balance, duplication, or an unfamiliar creditor.
- Preserve the original notice and supporting records.
- State whether you dispute all or part of the debt.
- Check whether the same error appears on your credit reports.
Common questions
Should I ignore a debt that is not mine?
No. Disputing the claim creates a clearer record and can prevent an error from persisting.
What if I already paid?
Keep proof of payment, identify it in the dispute, and ask the collector to correct its records.
Official sources
Reviewed August 26, 2026. Educational information only, not legal advice.