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Debt Collectors, Collection Agencies & Debt Buyers

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.

Here's what to do if a bill collector uses abusive tactics.

Learn how to avoid the horror story of debt collection harassment over old "zombie" debt.

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.

Red flags that an alleged debt collection caller is actually a scammer trying to get your money.

Here's what you should, and should not, do when a debt collector calls.

After a period of time, creditors lose the right to sue you forunpaid debts.

Learn how debt collection agencies operate.

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.

Under the FDCPA, you can tell a debt collector to stop contacting you, but it's not always a good idea to do this.

Find out how to fight back against unscrupulous debt collection agencies.

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.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects debtors against abusive collection tactics by debt collectors.

You can negotiate with debt collection agencies to remove negative information from your credit report.

Here are some options when negotiating settlement of an unsecured debt with a collection agency.

Ask the creditor to take your debt back from the collector, so you can negotiate with the creditor.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Regain your financial freedom and fix your credit report with this pair of books designed to help you take control of your personal finances, get a hold of your spending, and make sure that your credit report is accurate.
Struggling with debt? Find solutions here.
Pursue your rights: put your demand in writing, and order the collection agency to leave you alone.
This letter helps you settle an outstanding debt with a creditor for less than the full amount owed.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

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Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

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