Guides / Getting help
Dealing with debt collectors: your rights
Verify the debt, and know what collectors can't do.
Federal law limits what third-party debt collectors can do, and gives you rights to information about the debt.
Your rights
- Collectors must send you information about the debt, including how to dispute it
- You can dispute the debt in writing within the time the notice gives you
- Collectors can't harass you, threaten you or lie about what you owe
- You can ask them to stop contacting you in a certain way, or at all, in writing
Protect yourself
- Don't confirm or pay a debt you don't recognize until it's verified
- Watch for scammers pretending to collect debts you don't owe
- Keep copies of all letters and notes of calls
- Report problems to the CFPB and your state attorney general
General information, not legal advice. Legal aid organizations can help with lawsuits. Nickel Keepers isn't paid by any lender, card company or debt relief company.