I was charged twice for the same debt — what do I do?

Double billing is a common form of over-collection. We check the debt balance against all payments made, and file a request to recover the duplicate amount.

How much does the check cost?

The check is free. An attorney's fee of 25% + VAT is charged only if and when a refund is actually received. No win, no fee.

Guide · Garnishments & Over-Collection

Double Collection or Collection After the Debt Is Paid — How to Get a Refund

Q: They keep collecting from me after I paid the debt — is that legal?

No. If the debt was paid in full or in part and collection continues, you can file a claim of payment ("pareti") under Section 19 of the Enforcement and Collection Law, and recover the amounts over-collected beyond the debt.

One of the most common over-collection situations: the debt has already been paid — in full or in part — and collection continues; or you were charged twice for the same debt. In such cases you may be entitled to a refund.

In brief: if an amount higher than the actual debt was collected from you — for example collection after payment, double billing, or incorrect interest — the main procedure for recovery is a claim of payment ("pareti") under Section 19 of the Enforcement and Collection Law.

When does over-collection occur?

Collection after the debt is paid — you paid the debt but the file was not closed and collection continues.
Double billing — the same debt is collected twice (for example a direct payment to the creditor + collection in the file).
Payment not credited — a payment you made was not updated in the file balance.
Incorrect interest and linkage — interest calculated beyond what is permitted inflates the debt.

What is a claim of payment ("pareti")?

A claim of payment ("pareti") (Section 19 of the Enforcement and Collection Law, 5727-1967) is a request in which the debtor shows that the debt was paid — in whole or in part — and asks to stop collection and recover amounts collected beyond the debt. The request is submitted to the Enforcement and Collection Authority registrar, and sometimes a hearing is held.

How do you get a refund? Step by step

Gather supporting documents: receipts, payment confirmations, and the Enforcement and Collection Authority file printout.
Check the original debt balance against all amounts actually collected (including interest and expenses).
File a claim of payment ("pareti") or another appropriate request to recover the over-collected amount.
As needed — conduct a hearing with the creditor and the Enforcement and Collection Authority registrar until recovery.

Were you charged too much? Let us check — for free

A garnishment and refund-eligibility check at no cost. If you are entitled to a refund — we handle it, and a 25% + VAT success fee is paid only from the amount actually refunded. No win, no fee.

Start a free check

More guides:‹ Claim of payment ("pareti") — full guide ‹ General guide: over-collection and garnishment ‹ Bank account garnishment — what is protected

Official sources

Claim of payment ("pareti") — Kol-Zchut Enforcement and collection — Kol-Zchut Enforcement and Collection Law — National Legislation Database

This guide is general information only, based on official public sources and databases, and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for individual consultation with an attorney. The rules are updated from time to time. Use of the site does not create an attorney–client relationship.