News

08/03/2007

A letter from a debt collection agency ought to be taken seriously

Cases where a consumer has not received a product ordered from another European country and has therefore not paid for it regularly come to the knowledge of the European Consumer Centre.  The vendor of the product has then sent the invoice to a debt collection agency, either foreign or Finnish, for collection.
 
It is always advisable to react to a dunning letter, even if the invoice for which payment is being demanded seems unfounded.  Otherwise, the result can be loss of creditworthiness.
 
 
If the invoice is unfounded 
Because the invoice has already been sent for collection, it is no longer any use to contact the vendor. Instead, contact the debt collection agency, regardless of whether it is Finnish or foreign. Send the agency a written complaint before the due date of the invoice. Explain in detail in your letter why you believe the demand for payment is groundless.  State in your complaint also the date by which you wish to receive instructions as to what to do.   
 
When the demand is from a foreign debt collection agency, always also notify the European Consumer Centre.
 
If the debt collection agency is Finnish, you can contact a consumer adviser in you own locality in a problem situation.
 
If the invoice is founded
 
In situations where consumers are experiencing difficulty meeting payments, a new payment date can be negotiated with the collection agency. If necessary, you can contact the Money and Debt Adviser in your own locality.