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  1. Debt collection - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Oct 30, 2025 · Understand how debt collection works, what your rights are, common issues with debt collection, and how to work with debt collectors.

  2. How do I tell if a debt collector is legitimate or a scam?

    May 14, 2024 · A legitimate debt collector can tell you their company name and mailing address, as well as information about the debt they say you owe.

  3. Know your rights when a debt collector calls

    Jun 4, 2025 · When a debt collector calls—or sends an e-mail or text message, or contacts you through social media—your best response is to confront the situation head-on.

  4. Debt Collection: Know Your Rights - Federal Trade Commission

    Most legit debt collectors follow the rules, but bad debt collectors don't. They break the law. So if you get a call like this-- --If you don't pay, we will have you arrested and deported. Or this-- --This is your final …

  5. What is a debt collector and why are they contacting me?

    Aug 2, 2023 · A debt buyer has bought the debt and is now collecting that debt themselves or by using other debt collectors. If the debt collector is contacting you for payment on a debt, there is certain …

  6. What laws limit what debt collectors can say or do?

    Dec 9, 2024 · The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that limits what debt collectors can do when attempting to collect certain types of debt. The federal Fair Credit Reporting …

  7. What should I do when a debt collector contacts me?

    Aug 2, 2023 · First, determine important information about your debt—including if it’s legitimate and if you really owe it—and then use our sample letters to respond appropriately to the debt collector.

  8. Debt collection know your rights - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Dec 28, 2022 · Can debt collectors collect a debt that’s several years old? I'm in the military. Can a debt collector have my security clearance revoked if I fall behind on paying my debt? I'm a servicemember …

  9. Debt collection basics - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Dec 28, 2022 · Can a debt collector try to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy? What may happen if I ignore or avoid a debt collector? Can a debt collector take or garnish my wages or …

  10. Debt Collection - Federal Trade Commission

    Jun 24, 2025 · Debt collection abuses cause harms that financially vulnerable consumers can ill afford. Many consumers pay collectors money they do not owe and fall deeper into debt, while others suffer …