ACCESS NL > Relocating to the Netherlands > First three months > Banking > I received a letter from a debt collector. What are my rights?

Banking

What is the currency in the Netherlands?

Can you explain the numbering conventions used in the Netherlands?

How can I open a bank account?

What are the requirements to open up a bank account?

What are the accounts and services offered by banks?

How does a current account operate?

How do I use my PIN card?

What if I want to use my PIN card abroad?

What if I have lost my PIN card or had it stolen?

What is IBAN?

What is PSD2?

How to exchange foreign money in the Netherlands?

Can I pay in a shop by using my mobile phone?

How can I access my bank details using mobile devices?

How easy is it to pay using my credit card in the Netherlands?

What is internetbankieren (internet banking) and how to use it?

What is an acceptgiro?

What is iDeal?

Can I directly invest money in the stock exchange?

What types of loans are available?

What is a contactless payment?

Are contactless payments secure?

Are credit cards issued by banks to all customers?

Can I open a bank account without having a Burgerservice nummer (BSN)?

How can I avoid scams?

I received a letter from a debt collector. What are my rights?

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 juridischloket.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.