Disputing a debt you don't owe

You have the right to dispute a debt if you believe it is not yours, is already paid, is statute-barred, or is incorrect in some other way. Merion takes disputes seriously and is required to investigate them properly before recovery can continue.

Common grounds for disputing a debt

• Wrong person: The debt belongs to someone else with a similar name or the same address.
• Identity mix-up: Your personal details have been confused with another person's record.
• Already paid: You settled the debt with the original creditor and have evidence of that payment.
• No contract: You never entered into an agreement with the original creditor for the goods or services the debt relates to.
• Duplicate: The same debt has been presented to you more than once.
• Statute-barred: The limitation period for recovering the debt has expired (see our article on limitation periods by state).
• Amount incorrect: The amount claimed includes interest or fees that were not part of your agreement, or contains errors.

What to do

1. Contact Merion immediately. Do not wait. The sooner you raise a dispute, the sooner recovery activity can be paused while the matter is investigated.
2. Put it in writing. A written dispute creates a record. You can use the online dispute form at merion.com.au/dispute-a-debt/ or send a letter or email. Reference your account number in all correspondence.
3. Gather your evidence. Helpful evidence includes: signed contracts or purchase orders, bank records or receipts showing payment, invoices, emails or written communications, statutory declarations if needed.

What happens during a dispute

Once Merion receives a dispute, we notify the original creditor and pause active recovery while the investigation is underway. We will contact you with the outcome. Depending on the complexity of the matter, this process typically takes between 5 and 30 business days.

Possible outcomes

• The debt is confirmed — you will be advised of this in writing, along with the evidence that supports it.
• The debt is partially confirmed — an amended amount is provided with an explanation.
• The debt is withdrawn — the account is closed and you will not be contacted further.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to escalate. See our article on what to do if you are not satisfied with the outcome.