When you haven’t paid a bill in time, the creditor can decide to ask a debt collector to get the money from you. Such a company is called incassobureau. When you get a letter with such an a request, you should do the following:
- check if the bill is justified. If you think the bill is not correct, send a registered letter explaining why you think it is wrong and ask for proof. The agency is obliged to explain each item on the bill
- collect all letters and replies, including your own letters.
- ask legal advice if necessary. Your legal aid insurance can help . If you don’t have one, you can contact the Juridisch Loket at hetjuridischloket.nl
A debt collector is not allowed to:
- contact you between 8 pm and 7 am, on Sundays and official holidays (such as Christmas, Easter, Whitsun and King’s Day)
- use unfair pressure
- make an attachment (beslag leggen in Dutch)
- serve a summons (dagvaarden in Dutch)
A debt collector is obliged to have a complaints procedure.
