# Opening a dispute If you don't think the debt is correct, you can open a dispute. We'll stop trying to collect while we look into it. You have the right to dispute the debt and to ask us to fix incorrect information. We must respond. ## How to open a dispute ### Step 1 — Click "Dispute this debt" From your account dashboard, click **Dispute this debt**. ### Step 2 — Pick a reason You'll see six choices: * **Already paid** — you think this was paid already. * **Wrong amount** — you owe something, but not this much. * **Not my debt** — the bill is for someone else, or a business you have no connection to. * **Disputed services** — the bill is for goods or services that weren't delivered as agreed. * **Identity theft** — you believe someone else opened this account in your name. * **Other** — none of the above fits. ### Step 3 — Add details In the **Details** box, explain in your own words. The more specific you are, the faster we can sort it out. Examples: * "I paid this in February. I have the receipt." * "I never ordered this. I do not have an account with this company." * "The invoice says $1,200 but I only ordered $400 of goods." ### Step 4 — Attach evidence (optional) You can drag or upload supporting files right on the dispute page. Images, PDF, or plain text files, up to 10 MB each. (Other file types and larger files aren't supported here — if you have something bigger, mention it in the details and we'll arrange another way to send it.) ### Step 5 — Submit Click **Submit dispute**. You'll see a confirmation that the dispute was filed. If some of your evidence files didn't upload, the page will tell you which ones so you can retry. ## What happens after you dispute * **All outreach stops.** Once a dispute is open on the account, the compliance engine blocks any further calls or emails until the dispute is resolved. * **The business that placed the account is notified.** They review the dispute and the evidence you provided. * They will either uphold the dispute (close or reduce the account), deny it (send you the proof and resume), or send a templated response with the supporting documents attached. You will be notified of the outcome. ## You don't need a lawyer You can open a dispute on your own. If you do have a lawyer, they can use the portal as you, or contact us directly. ## Disputing during a call If you're on a call with our agent and you raise a dispute, the agent stops the conversation and logs the dispute on the account. ## You won't be punished for disputing Filing a dispute is a right. We won't be more aggressive after the dispute resolves. We won't add fees or hurt your credit because of the dispute itself. The whole point of dispute is to figure out the right answer. ## After the dispute Depending on the outcome: * **If you were right:** the account is corrected or closed in your favor. You owe less or nothing. * **If the business shows proof:** you owe the debt. You can still negotiate a plan or pay over time. * **If you reach a partial agreement:** the balance is adjusted and you pay what's left. ## TODO * Screenshot: dispute form. * Screenshot: evidence upload area. * Screenshot: confirmation banner. *** Last reviewed: 2026-05-12 by Compliance Lead. **TODO: external counsel review.** --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.moderncollections.io/for-debtors/debtor-portal/opening-a-dispute.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.