Consumers can use the new to find out whether a settled payment disruption is eligible for the shorter retention period. The result is available in four steps:

• 1. look for the file number on the dunning letter from the (debt collection) company.
• 2. enter your first and last name, your date of birth and your current address.
• 3. also enter your address if you have moved in the last few months.
• 4 Once you have made your entry, you will find out whether your retention period has been shortened and what you may need to do to do so. You will also receive information on the completed payment disruption and find out how your further payment behavior may affect the retention period.