Debt-collection fees too high? You do not have to pay every surcharge
Out of a small open bill the collection agency suddenly makes double, with 'processing', 'expense', and 'collection' flat fees? These costs are limited by law and only payable at all under certain conditions. It is worth looking closely.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Dispute the collection costs →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Check the main claim
Is the underlying claim justified and due at all? If not, object to the entire claim.
- 2
2. Demand an itemized breakdown
Demand a comprehensible breakdown of the collection costs. You can reject flat or duplicate items.
- 3
3. Reject the excess
Declare in writing that you do not acknowledge the excessive collection costs, and offer to pay only the justified main claim.
- 4
4. Acknowledge nothing
Do not sign any acknowledgment of debt and do not agree to installments on excessive amounts; that can 'cement' the claim.
How to spot the scam
- Collection costs higher than the actual claim.
- Several overlapping flat fees ('processing' + 'expenses' + 'collection').
- A threat of a SCHUFA entry or garnishment to force quick payment.
Frequently asked questions
How high may collection costs be?
They may not exceed the remuneration a lawyer could charge for the same activity (§ 4 RDGEG). For small claims the recoverable costs are correspondingly low; you do not have to pay excessive flat fees.
Do I always have to pay collection costs?
No. They require an actual default of payment and a justified main claim. If the claim is unjustified or there was no default, the collection costs fall away too. Always check the main claim first.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.