Debt collection is consistently one of the top financial issues people have questions about when they visit our website. We’ve provided short, easy-to-understand answers to some of our most-visited questions about debt collection. For the full answer, you can view the provided link. While every situation is unique, these answers may help you better understand how debt collection works or help you identify steps that you can take to address your own situation.
What should I do when a debt collector contacts me?
There are different ways to respond appropriately to debt collectors.
When contacted, find out:
- The identity of the debt collector, including name, address, and phone number
- The amount of the debt
- What the debt is for and when the debt was incurred
- The name of the original creditor
- Information about whether you or someone else may owe the debt
We also have sample lettersthat will help if you’re experiencing common problems that may come up with debt collection.
How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
Ask the caller for their name, company, street address, and telephone number. If your state licenses debt collectors, you can also ask for a professional license number. You can also refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." Do not give personal or financial information to the caller until you have confirmed it is a legitimate debt collector.
Keep an eye out for warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam.
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector?
To get ready to negotiate a settlement or repayment agreement with a debt collector, consider this three-step approach:
- Learnabout the debt
- Planfor making a realistic repayment or settlement
- Negotiatea realistic agreement with the debt collector
Be wary of companies that charge moneyin advance to settle your debts for you. Some debt settlement companies promise more than they deliver.
Learn more about negotiating a repayment agreementthat’s right for your situation.
What should I do if a creditor or debt collector sues me?
If you're sued by a debt collector, respond to the lawsuit. You can respond personally or through an attorney, but you must do so by the date specified in the court papers.
When you respond to, or “answer,” the lawsuit, the debt collectorwill have to prove to the court that the debt is valid and that you owe the debt.
If you ignore a court action, it's likely that a judgment will be entered against you for the amount the creditor or debt collector claims you owe. Often the court also will impose additional fees against you to cover collections costs, interest, and attorney fees.
Learn more about what can happen if you don’t respond to a debt collection lawsuit.
What is a statute of limitations on a debt?
A statute of limitations is the limited period of time creditors or debt collectors have to file a lawsuitto recover a past due debt.
Most statutes of limitations fall in the three- to six-year range, although in some cases they may vary due to:
- State laws
- What type of debt you have
- Whether the state law applicable is named in your credit agreement
Need help with something else?
If you are having an issue with debt collection, you can submit a complaint onlineor by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). We’ll work to get you a response from the company.
