Debt Collection Defense

Debt collectors must follow the law. They cannot harass you, call your family about your debt, or sue you over a debt you don't owe or don't recognize.

If a collector is calling, suing, or threatening you, we can help you understand your rights and protect your credit.

A debt you don't recognize

After a debt collector first contacts you, it has five days to mail you a written “validation notice.” You then have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing and ask for the name and address of the original creditor. Once you dispute it in writing, the collector must stop contacting you until it sends proof that you owe the money. If you don't recognize a debt, always ask for validation.

A collector calling your family or employer

Even if you owe a debt, collectors cannot harass you, your family, or your employer. A collector may contact other people only to learn how to reach you — not to discuss your debt — and may not call them repeatedly. If you tell a collector to stop contacting your employer, it must stop. If it won't, call us.

Protecting your credit report

You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year at annualcreditreport.com (or 1-877-322-8228) from all three bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. If a debt you don't owe appears on your report, dispute it in writing with each bureau and include any supporting documents. If they won't remove it, contact an attorney.

Debt collection self-help guides

• Stopping the calls
• A debt collector is suing me
• I don't owe the debt