Free Request to Cease Collection Activity

The collection agency may require that you include proof of your identity theft incident such as photocopies of the ID Theft Affidavit, a filed Police Report, or other information. Contact the collection agency to determine what additional information, if any, may be required.

Photocopies, not the original copies, of any relevant documents should be included with the letter (unless otherwise required by the collection agency). You should keep a copy of all written communications with the collection agency and maintain a written summary of all oral communications.

If an identity thief purchases products on credit using your name and fails to make payment, you will likely have one or more collection agencies contacting you for payment. This letter should be used to inform the collection agency that you have been a victim of identity theft and that you should not be required to pay for the purchases. Send copies of proof that may be needed to show that identity theft has occurred.

Note: You should contact the collection agency immediately and use this letter as a follow-up. However, if you choose not to call first, this letter can be used as a first contact with the collection agency.

1. The letter should be signed, but it is not necessary that the signature be witnessed or notarized.

2. Be sure to attach any evidence of the identity theft incident.

3. Retain a copy of the letter for your records. Keep the original copies of any enclosures, unless you are required to send the originals. If you send an original, keep a copy.

4. Although not required, sending the letter in a manner that can be tracked (e.g., overnight courier or certified mail/return receipt requested) is highly advisable. It may assist you in the even you need evidence of receipt of the letter.

5. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, follow up to make sure that any requested action was actually taken. Although the letter asks the collection agency to confirm in writing that collection activities will be stopped, in most cases such written confirmation will not be provided by the collection agency.