It is common for my clients or readers to wonder how to dispute a debt. The first thing I like to explain is what dispute actually means. Once you understand the definition of dispute, you will begin to see how most people in debt needs to dispute their debts first. In a nutshell, dispute means to debate, disagree with, or argue something.

If you are wondering how to dispute debt effectively, you must realize it will take more than a phone call to your creditor or debt collector. Disputing debt is a legal process, thus requiring specific steps to get the best results. I have helped clients through these steps so many times that I know them like the back of my hand. Many of my clients end up with complete freedom from debt, or debt settlement offers for extremely affordable amounts. If you want these results in your credit situation, you need to keep reading.

Even after knowing the definition of what disputing a debt means, many consumers choose to attempt a dispute over the phone. Disputing debt over the phone is basically useless. It provides you no evidence in court that the debt was disputed. This leaves you completely unprotected in the event that a creditor or debt collector decides to sue. Not to mention the fact that the creditor or debt collector will not treat you any better and will most likely harass you even more aggressively.

Many credit and debt counseling services will promote the use of debt verification letters. The purpose of a debt verification letter is to demand that the creditor or debt collector verifies that they have your correct name and address. There really is no point to sending these letters. Anyone can go on the Internet and find your name and address. A name and address proves in no way that you owe someone money.

Debt verification letters also have a few other flaws. A verification letter does not require a creditor or debt collector to provide any evidence of your account with them. These letters also do not provide any legal protection. Finally, debt verification letters do nothing to stop the harassment that comes from creditors or debt collectors. Debt verification letters are usually not the right tools to use when deciding how to dispute a debt.

I am now gong to share with you the most effective way to dispute a debt. The process that will get you the most results is the process of sending debt validation letters. Debt validation is so powerful because federal law backs it. The FDCPA or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act sets forth terms and conditions that must be met by any creditor or debt collector once a request for validation is made. Thus, debt validation letters offer much more protection and help than debt verification letters.

The purpose of debt validation letters is to eliminate wrongful collection from debt collectors. By sending a well-written debt validation letter, you force your debt collector to provide complete and validating information on your account. The fact of the matter is that most debt collectors do not have the proper information to completely validate their collection attempts on your account. Until this validation is made, the debt collector cannot continue to attempt collection on your account.

The best way I have found to continue learning how to dispute a debt is to take a mini course on debt validation letters. These courses can share many suggestions from professionals to help you make the most of your debt dispute process.