Have you received a payment reminder?

The first payment reminder must be sent free of charge. No reminder fees may be claimed from you.

• The amount due
• The additional costs in case of non-payment within 14 days
• The name and company number of the business claiming the payment
• A description of the product or service that gave rise to the debt
• The 14-day deadline to pay before additional costs may be charged

You also have the right to ask the company requesting payment, or the third party it has appointed (collection agency or bailiff), to provide you with:

• Documents proving the debt
• Information on how to lodge a dispute
• Payment facilities (e.g. a payment plan)

If you did not order the product or service for which payment is being demanded, you should contest the amount in writing, with reasons, addressed both to the company that issued the payment request and to its representative (collection agency, bailiff, or lawyer).

A foreign debt collection agency may contact you regarding unpaid debts, but all collection agencies, whether Belgian or foreign, must first register with the FPS Economy. The list of all licensed collection agencies in Belgium is available on its website.

This registration requirement does not apply to bailiffs or lawyers. However, they must still comply with the law on amicable debt collection, which prohibits certain practices.

Deceptive or aggressive practices are strictly forbidden. Examples of illegal practices include:

• Creating the impression that the request comes from a judicial authority
• Issuing false legal threats or misleading information about the consequences of non-payment
• Indicating on the envelope that the letter concerns a debt claim.
• Claiming amounts that are not provided for or not legally permitted
• Continuing to send reminders after receiving a written, reasoned objection

Several bodies are available to help you. You can contact:

• The Consumer Mediation Service, if your complaint concerns a Belgian collection agency
• The Ombudsman of Bailiffs, if your complaint concerns a Belgian bailiff
• The Ombudsman Service for Consumer Disputes relating to the Legal Profession, if your complaint concerns a Belgian lawyer
• The European Consumer Centre, if the collection agency or bailiff is based in another EU country