Debt Collection Letters (Incasso) — What To Do
A Dutch incasso letter must state the original creditor, amount, and legal basis. You may dispute the debt within 14 days — collection must pause while the dispute is investigated. Collectors cannot threaten criminal prosecution for civil debt or add fees above the Besluit incassokosten caps.
Incasso letters are designed to intimidate. Most expats pay unnecessarily. This guide decodes the letter structure and gives you a dispute template.
01Guidance
Legal basis governing debt collection
The Besluit vergoeding voor buitengerechtelijke incassokosten caps fees by claim amount. Collectors must comply with the Gedragscode Incasso — no harassment, false court claims, or contacting employers without permission. Article 6:96 BW limits damage claims to actual loss. If the underlying contract is void (illegal auto-renewal, unfair term), the collection fails regardless of letter formatting.
02Collection cost caps (indicative)
Collection cost caps (indicative)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Claim €0–€2,500 | Max fee ~15% (degressive scale) |
| Minimum dispute response time | 14 days recommended |
| Bailiff involvement | Only after court judgment or authentic deed |
| Limitation period (most contracts) | 5 years from due date |
| Register complaint (incasso) | VNG Incasso protocol / court |
03Procedure
Respond to an incasso letter
- Step 1: Check sender legitimacyVerify the incassobureau is registered and the creditor exists. Scam letters mimic official formatting.
- Step 2: Request onderliggende stukkenDemand contract, invoice breakdown, and proof of default. They must provide this.
- Step 3: Send a dispute letterIf anything is wrong — amount, service not received, cancelled contract — dispute in writing.
- Step 4: Escalate if harassment continuesComplaint to Rechtsbijstandsloket or lawyer if deurwaarder contact follows without judgment.
04Template
Template debt dispute letter
Geachte heer/mevrouw, Ik betwist de vordering van €[bedrag] zoals vermeld in uw incassobrief van [datum] (kenmerk [ref]). Grond van betwisting: - [Bijv. geen overeenkomst gesloten / dienst niet geleverd / bedrag onjuist] Ik verzoek u de incassoprocedure onmiddellijk stop te zetten totdat u de onderliggende stukken (overeenkomst, facturen, betalingshistorie) heeft overlegd. Incassokosten betwist ik eveneens tot de hoofdsom is vastgesteld. Met vriendelijke groet, [Naam] [Adres]
05Escalation
When debt collection disputes need a lawyer
If a deurwaarder threatens beslag without showing a court judgment, or the debt relates to identity theft / fraud, a lawyer sends an immediate cease letter. For debts above €3,000 where you have strong defences (cancelled lease, returned goods), legal representation often settles at zero or a fraction.
06Guidance
Distinguishing legitimate debt from collection scams
Verify creditor exists in KVK register. Scam letters mimic incassobureau branding — call bureau on official number, not letter header. Legitimate debt must trace to identifiable contract you signed. Statute-barred debt ( verjaard ) — collectors may request moral payment but cannot sue after limitation. Joint liability ( hoofdelijk ) in shared contracts — confirm you are correct debtor. Identity theft debts — file police report ( aangifte ) and dispute with affidavit. Payment plan agreements should state remaining balance and stop further fees. Never give incassobureau direct debit access without legal review. GDPR access request to collector for full file copy.
07Frequently asked questions