Debt Collector how-to

How to Handle a Customer Debt Dispute

Disputes must be handled by the rules.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Disputes must be handled by the rules. In short: note; pause; request, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Note the dispute.

  2. Pause collection as required.

  3. Request validation documents.

  4. Send to the customer.

  5. Resume only when allowed.

  6. Document everything.

Safety reminders for debt collectors

  • Follow FDCPA and Reg F
  • Protect customer data
  • Never threaten or harass
  • Take breaks after hard calls

FDCPA · Delinquent account · Charge-off · Payment plan · Settlement · Skip tracing: see the full debt collector glossary.

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