Vetting help to deal with a debt you actually dispute

You're behind on a payment, and the creditor is pressing for it. But you believe you owe less than they're claiming—maybe you were overcharged, the goods never arrived, or you paid part of it already and their records are wrong. Before you hand your case to someone else, you need to know whether they can actually verify the debt and prove your dispute in writing.

Disputing a debt is not the same as struggling to pay one. A debt counsellor or negotiator can help you buy time or spread what you owe; a disputer needs to challenge whether the amount or the claim itself is valid. Some people call this debt defence. The person you hire must be able to gather evidence of your dispute, send it to the creditor in writing, and explain why the debt is contested—not just ask for a payment plan.

Proof you'll need to collect first

Before you vet anyone, gather your own documentation. A negotiator cannot argue your case without it. Look for the original contract or invoice showing what you were supposed to receive or pay. If you were overcharged, find proof of the correct price—a competitor's quote, a price list from the time of purchase, or an email exchange where the creditor quoted a lower figure. If you've already paid part of the debt, gather bank statements, receipt confirmations, or WhatsApp payment confirmations showing the date and amount. If the service or goods were faulty or never delivered, collect photos, repair quotes, or written correspondence where you raised the problem at the time.

Keep copies of every letter or email the creditor has sent you. These show the amount they're claiming and the date they made the claim. If a debt collector is involved, request a copy of the original creditor's statement—collectors must pass this on if asked. The more organised your file, the easier it is for a negotiator to spot weaknesses in the creditor's case and the faster they can move.

Checking the negotiator's ability to handle disputes

When you contact someone, ask directly: have you successfully disputed debts where the client was right about the amount being wrong? Ask for a reference—not a testimonial, but contact details of one or two past clients who disputed a debt (not just negotiated payment). Phone those references and ask what evidence the negotiator asked for, whether the creditor responded in writing, and whether the dispute was resolved in the client's favour.

Confirm they understand the difference between a dispute and a negotiation. Some negotiators focus only on affordability—they help you pay less because you can't afford the full amount. That's not a dispute. You need someone who knows how to challenge the debt itself: questioning whether the amount is correct, whether the creditor has proof, or whether you actually owe anything at all.

Check that they'll put everything in writing to the creditor. Verbal promises don't hold up. The negotiator should send a formal letter—or email—to the creditor setting out your dispute, attaching your evidence, and asking the creditor to provide their proof. This creates a paper trail. Ask to see a template of the letter they'll send before you engage them.

Verify they're registered with the relevant body. If they call themselves a debt counsellor, ask for their registration number with the National Credit Regulator (NCR). If they work in debt law or dispute resolution, check whether they're a member of a professional association relevant to their claimed expertise. You can ask to see their credentials, and follow up independently if they give you a registration number.

Ask what happens if the creditor ignores the dispute letter or refuses to provide proof. A competent negotiator should be able to tell you the next steps—whether that's a formal demand letter, involvement of a debt dispute service, or advice to seek legal counsel. If they say "we'll just keep asking," that's a red flag.

When you're ready to move forward, use Strove to find and compare debt counsellors and negotiators in your area, read verified reviews from people who've used them, and cross-check their details against the registers they claim to be on. A dispute takes time and strong evidence—make sure the person helping you understands exactly what you're disputing and why.