What can I do against a debt collection agency that wrongly demands money?

If a debt collection agency wrongly demands money from you, you do not have to just accept it. You can dispute the claim in writing, file a complaint and seek legal assistance. The law expressly protects you against unreasonable debt collection practices.

Last checked: March 2026. Legal information may change — always check the current legislation onwetten.nl.

What does the law say?

Debt collection agencies are not allowed to do just anything to collect money from you. The law sets clear boundaries. First of all: a collection agency has no special legal power. It is a company that acts on behalf of a creditor. They cannot seize, only a bailiff can do that after a court decision.

Since April 1, 2024, stricter rules apply to debt collection agencies. Debt collection agencies have since been required to be registered in a register. This register is managed by the government. An agency without a registration is not allowed to carry out collection work. You can consult this register via the central government.

The costs that a collection agency may charge are legally limited. This is stated in the Extrajudicial Collection Costs Standards Act. The maximum collection costs depend on the amount of the principal sum. For a debt of €250, the maximum collection costs are €40. The collection agency must first send you a reminder. It must state that you still have 14 days to pay without additional costs. Will you pay within that period? Then the agency may not charge collection costs.

Furthermore, Article 6:96 of the Dutch Civil Code protects you as a consumer (check this article onwetten.nl for the most current version). This article regulates which costs a creditor may recover. The costs must be reasonable and have actually been incurred.

When a debt collection agency threatens, intimidates or misleads, this is prohibited on the grounds of unfair commercial practices. See the Civil Code for the exact provision. In that case, you can also file a complaint with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

When does this apply to you?

This article is relevant to you if you have received a collection letter and are unsure whether the claim is correct. But when exactly is a claim "unjustified"?

First, the debt simply does not exist. You never ordered anything, the subscription had already been canceled, or the invoice is incorrect. In that case the entire claim is unjustified.

Second, the debt has already been paid. The collection agency has not yet processed this, or the creditor has not passed it on. This happens more often than you think.

Third: the debt has expired. Debts expire over time. Most consumer debts have a limitation period of five years. See the Civil Code for the exact provisions on limitation. If the debt has expired, you no longer have to pay.

Fourth: the collection costs are too high. Sometimes the principal amount is correct, but the agency charges too many costs. This is also a valid reason to dispute.

Fifth, you never received the legally required 14-day letter. Without this reminder, no collection costs may be charged at all.

Concrete example: you receive a letter from a collection agency for an unpaid invoice from an online store. But you don't remember that order at all. Or you've already paid for it. Or the invoice never reached you. In all these cases you have the right to dispute the claim.

Even if you do owe something, but the amount is incorrect, you can dispute that part. You do not have to pay the entire amount if only part of it is unjustified.

Step-by-step plan — what can you do now?

1. Save everything. Save all letters, emails and texts from the debt collection agency. You will need this later as proof.
2. Check whether the debt is correct. Check whether you recognize the original invoice or agreement. Also check whether you have already paid.
3. Check the collection costs. Compare the requested costs with the legal maximum amounts. Use the calculation tool on the government website or Nibud.
4. Send a written dispute. Write a letter or email to the collection agency. State clearly that you dispute the claim. State your reason. Do this by registered mail so that you have proof of shipment.
5. Submit a complaint to the ACM or the collection register. Is the agency behaving improperly or is it not registered? Report this to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets via consuwijzer.nl.
6. Get free help. Contact the Legal Desk or a debt counselor