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Debt collector calling: your first steps

Check the debt is real, answer in writing and know what a collector cannot do.

27 items · 6 sections · money, personal-finance, fraud, crisis

Start this checklist

Get help now (3)

  • If debt makes you feel you cannot go on, please talk to someone todayUS: call or text 988. India: Tele-MANAS 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123.Open
  • Free debt advice is there for youUS: a nonprofit credit counsellor through nfcc.org. UK: National Debtline or StepChange.Open
  • Debt can be sorted. You do not have to solve it alone, or today

On the call (6)

  • Stay calm. You do not have to agree to anything on this call
  • Write down the name, company, phone number, date and time
  • Ask who the original creditor is and how much they say you owe
  • Ask for the details in writingUS: they generally must give the creditor, amount and how to dispute, at first contact or within 5 days.
  • Do not give card, bank or ID details until you have checked themIf they cannot give these details, it could be a scam.
  • Do not agree the debt is yours, or pay anything, yet

Check the debt (4)

  • Do you recognise the amount and the creditor?
  • Check your own statements and your credit report
  • Look up the company's number yourself, then call them back
  • Paid already, or not yours? Send proof and ask for their evidenceAsk how they worked out the amount.

Reply in writing (5)

  • Dispute it or ask for more information in writing, soonUS: some requests have a 30-day window. It is still worth asking after that.
  • Use the sample letters from the CFPBOpen
  • Say how and when they may contact you
  • Want contact to stop? Tell them in writingThis stops calls but not the debt: they could still take other steps, such as a lawsuit.
  • Keep copies of everything you send and get

Know your limits (5)

  • Do not ignore itAvoiding calls usually does not stop collection, and a valid debt can lead to a lawsuit.
  • A court letter? Reply by its deadline, and get legal advice
  • Threats, abuse or repeated calls? Write them downUS law bars harassment, and threats of violence or arrest are not allowed.
  • India: recovery agents may call 8am to 7pm and may not threaten youComplain to your lender first, then the RBI Ombudsman.
  • US: complain to the CFPBOpen

If the debt is real (4)

  • Work out what you can truly pay each month, after rent and food
  • Offer that amount in writing, and get any deal in writing before paying
  • Do not take a new loan to pay it without advice
  • Pay in a way you can trace, never gift cards or cash

Written from www.consumerfinance.gov

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