A debt collector is chasing me for money I do not owe — who helps?
First ask the collector, in writing, to prove the debt: the original contract, the invoices, and their authority to collect. Until they do, you dispute it and they must stop calling. Collection fees must stay within the legal caps and cannot be added to a disputed or unproven debt. CCPC — Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (01 402 5555) takes complaints about collectors who threaten, add illegal fees or ignore disputes. If the debt is real but you cannot pay, MABS — Money Advice and Budgeting Service (0818 07 2000) helps for free. Only a court can order you to pay — District Court — small claims (courts.ie) is where a real claim would go, and where you can object.
🗣️ What to say
"I dispute the debt you refer to in your letter of [date], reference [number]. Please send me the original agreement, the invoices and proof that you are authorised to collect it. Until then, stop all contact except in writing and do not add any costs."
🪜 Step by step
- Do not pay a "partial" amountPaying anything can be read as acknowledging the whole debt and restarting the limitation period. Dispute first.
- Ask for proof in writingContract, invoices, authorisation. Give a deadline. A collector without proof has nothing.
- Check the fees and the ageCollection costs are capped by law in most countries, and old debts may be time-barred. MABS — Money Advice and Budgeting Service checks this with you for free.
- Complain to CCPC — Competition and Consumer Protection CommissionHarassment, calls at work, threats, fees beyond the cap, chasing a disputed debt — all reportable.
- If they go to courtYou will receive a court letter, never just a collector's threat. Object within the deadline on the letter; District Court — small claims explains how.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can a collector seize my things?
No. Only a bailiff with a court order can. A collector who claims otherwise is breaking the rules — report it.
The debt is real but I cannot pay
Say so in writing, propose a payment plan you can keep, and ask MABS — Money Advice and Budgeting Service for help. Collectors accept realistic plans more often than people think.
Can it damage my credit record?
Only registered defaults and court judgments do; a collector's letter does not. If they registered a disputed debt, demand its removal and complain.
📎 Sources
- CCPC — Competition and Consumer Protection Commission →
- MABS — Money Advice and Budgeting Service →
- District Court — small claims →
- Legal Aid Board / FLAC →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “debt collector wrong debt what to do Ireland”
- “debt collection fees legal maximum”
- “debt collector harassment complaint Ireland”
- “time barred debt”
- “prove the debt letter”
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