Dispute letter for a collection account that isn't yours

When to use this template

• You never had an account with the original creditor.
• The collector is reporting a debt that belongs to someone with a similar name.
• You suspect identity theft.

Sample letter

Replace everything in [brackets], and send one letter to each bureau that shows the error.

[Your full name]
[Your street address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

[Credit bureau name]
[Bureau dispute address]

Re: Dispute of inaccurate information on my credit report

To whom it may concern:

I am writing under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681i) to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report.

Item in dispute: [Collection agency name] — account ending [xxxx], original creditor [name, if listed]

Why it is inaccurate: I do not recognize this account and I do not owe this debt. The information being reported is inaccurate and I request that it be verified.

What I am asking: Please investigate, and delete this account from my file if it cannot be verified as belonging to me.

Please send me the results of your investigation in writing, along with an updated copy of my credit report.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your printed name]

Enclosures:
- A copy of a government-issued photo ID
- A copy of proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Any correspondence from the collector

What to enclose

• A copy of a government-issued photo ID
• A copy of proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Any correspondence from the collector

Send copies, never originals.

Tips

• Also send the collector a separate written debt-validation request within 30 days of their first contact (see our debt validation guide).
• If you believe it's identity theft, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov and attach it.
• Send it by a method that proves delivery. See certified mail vs first-class and where to send it.

More templates

• Late payment reported in error →
• Inaccurate charge-off →
• Paid account still showing a balance →
• Identity theft account →

General educational information and a generic template, not legal advice. A dispute can't remove accurate information, and Rapid Rescore does not guarantee any result. Last reviewed: October 2026.