If your debt goes to collection, for the most part, the debt collector can employ all of the collection methods available to the original creditor. But some bill collectors and collection agencies can be quite aggressive. It's important to know what debt collectors and collection agencies can and can't do, and what to do if a bill collector violates the law. If the original creditor sold your debt to a debt buyer, you might encounter different issues.
Learn about debt buyers and debt collectors, some of the abusive tactics they use, and how to protect yourself.
What to Do If a Bill Collector Crosses the Line
Here's what to do if a bill collector uses abusive tactics.
Debt Scavengers and Zombie Debt
Learn how to avoid the horror story of debt collection harassment over old "zombie" debt.
The New Bill Collector Tactic: Jail Time
In some states, debt collectors use tactics that might land you in jail if you don't appear for court hearings for debtor's examinations.
Debt Collector or Scammer: How to Tell the Difference?
Red flags that an alleged debt collection caller is actually a scammer trying to get your money.
Handling Debt Collection Calls: Do's and Don'ts
Here's what you should, and should not, do when a debt collector calls.
Time-Barred Debts: When Creditors and Collectors Can't Sue You for Unpaid Debts
After a period of time, creditors lose the right to sue you forunpaid debts.
What to Expect When Your Debt Goes to Collection
Learn how debt collection agencies operate.
How Collection Agencies Find You
Debt collectors use a number of methods to find out where you live.
You can request that a collection agency verify the amount and validity of a debt. But you must act quickly.
Should I Tell a Debt Collector to Stop Contacting Me?
Under the FDCPA, you can tell a debt collector to stop contacting you, but it's not always a good idea to do this.
What Are My Rights Against a Debt Collector?
Find out how to fight back against unscrupulous debt collection agencies.
When Debt Collectors Can—and Can’t—Use Texts, Emails, Voicemails, and Social Media to Contact You
Learn about changes to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that apply to modern technologies and digital communication methods, like texts, emails, voicemails, and social media.
What Is the Difference Between a Debt Collector and a Creditor?
If any of your debts are in default, you have probably received numerous calls from debt collectors wanting you to make payments. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects debtors against abusive collection tactics by debt collectors. However, it does not apply to your original creditor. Read on to learn more about the difference between a debt collector and a creditor, and how it affects your rights under the FDCPA.
Getting Debt Collectors to Remove Negative Information From Your Credit Report
You can negotiate with debt collection agencies to remove negative information from your credit report.
Negotiating With Collectors on Unsecured Debts
Here are some options when negotiating settlement of an unsecured debt with a collection agency.
A collection agency has my debt. Can I negotiate with the original creditor?
Ask the creditor to take your debt back from the collector, so you can negotiate with the creditor.