Bad debt collectors lie, threaten people, call the wrong person, tell other people about the debt, and generally break the rules. You have rights if a debt collector starts calling — whether or not you recognize the debt.
Take notes if you talk to a debt collector: the date and time you talked, the name of the person and company, their address and phone number, and their answers to your questions.
Ask for a written notice about your debt. It’s called a “validation notice,” and debt collectors have to send it. If you don’t think the debt is yours, follow instructions on the notice. If the debt is yours, talk to a PFM or reputable credit counselor to make a plan for paying it.
Hang up if a debt collector harasses you, curses, or threatens you. They’re not allowed to do that. Then, tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Pay attention if you get a “summons” or notice about a lawsuit. The summons should include the name of the court, its clerk, and a phone number to verify. If you don’t go to court, you could lose. If you are on active duty, special protections may apply. Talk to your PFM or legal services right away if you get a court summons.
Know that not everyone who calls saying that you owe a debt is a real debt collector. Some are scammers who are just trying to take your money. A caller may be a fake debt collector if they:
- want you to repay a debt you don’t recognize
- refuse to give you their mailing address or phone number
- pressure you or try to scare you into paying by threatening to report you to law enforcement or have you arrested
Don’t respond to threats. When scammers threaten to arrest you, suspend your driver’s license, or call your command if you don’t pay immediately, hang up and tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
