Debt Collectors, Collection Agencies & Debt Buyers

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 Cannot 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.

Debt Validation

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

Changes to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that apply to modern technologies and digital communication methods, like texts, emails, voicemails, and social media, start in late 2021.

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.