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Home Debt Debt Collection

Debt Collection

If debt collectors are pursuing you, it can be stressful. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources and laws on your side. Here's how to defend against debt collection and put yourself on stronger footing.

01 contact debt collection telephone icon

Why are debt collectors contacting me?

Debt collectors may be contacting you because they believe you owe a debt you haven't yet repaid—and they could be right or wrong. Here's what you need to know.

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02 debt collection question mark bubble icon

What happens if you ignore a debt collector?

Ignoring a debt collector won’t make them leave you alone, and you can suffer very negative consequences. Here's what to do instead.

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03 debt collection lightbulb icon

How to tell if your debt collector is legit (and not a scam)

Debt collection is an industry fraught with scams and illegitimate activity. Here's how to tell if your collector is fake or real.

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Need guidance?

Book a Free Consultation Call (888) 859-0871

Improve your credit score. Get a free 5 minute credit consultation with one of our specialists.

Dealing with Debt Collectors

If you're dealing with debt collectors, don't procrastinate. There are actions you must take immediately to defend yourself, especially if you think you don't owe the debt.

Begin by selecting which situation applies to you.

I don't owe this debt (or I'm not sure) I do owe this debt

I don't owe this debt (or I'm not sure)

Actions you can take

Never pay a debt you think don't owe: demand evidence first. Debt collectors must first provide you with a debt validation notice, followed by proof that you owe the debt when requested. Then, put an end to incessant calls and harassment. Follow the steps below.

Demand proof that you owe the debt with a verification letter

If a debt collection agency contacts you about a debt, you can send them a debt verification letter to force them to prove that you actually owe it.

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Dispute the debt with the credit bureaus

When you dispute the debt, the credit bureaus will be forced to confirm that it really is yours. While it's not a foolproof strategy, it's a necessary step that you must take to gather evidence.

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End debt collector harassment against you

Debt collectors are forbidden by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to use certain tactics designed to harass and annoy you. Here's how to stop them.

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Letters you may need

When dealing with debt collectors, you need a paper trail, and that means sending letters. Use our free and downloadable templates to create the letters you need quickly, and avoid as much hassle as possible.

credit dispute letter Learn More

Credit Dispute Letter Template

You can use a credit dispute letter to remove inaccurate information on...

Debt Verification Letter Template Learn More

Debt Verification Letter Template

If a debt collection agency contacts you about a debt, you can send them...

example of a goodwill letter to send to a creditor Learn More

Goodwill Letter Template Download

You can send a goodwill letter to a creditor or debt collector to remove...

credit dispute letter Learn More

Credit Dispute Letter Template

You can use a credit dispute letter to remove inaccurate information on...

Debt Verification Letter Template Learn More

Debt Verification Letter Template

If a debt collection agency contacts you about a debt, you can send them...

example of a goodwill letter to send to a creditor Learn More

Goodwill Letter Template Download

You can send a goodwill letter to a creditor or debt collector to remove...

I do owe this debt

Actions you can take

When you owe a debt, it's best to pay it off. But if you're struggling financially and can't afford to pay your debt collector, there are ways to try to pay less than you owe. Follow these steps to ask for a discount on your debt, pay them off, or get help from professionals.

Negotiate a debt settlement to pay less than you owe

If you're struggling financially, your collector may agree to let you pay less than you owe. However, there are drawbacks to this strategy.

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Pay off your debts in collection

To pay off a debt in collections, you'll need to contact your debt collector and choose a payment method. Don't do this until you're certain the debt is yours, and that the debt collector is legitimate.

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Seek non-profit credit counseling to get help paying off debts

If your debts are numerous and overwhelming. there are non-profit credit counselors that can help when you enroll in a debt management plan. Here's how that works.

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Letters you may need

Even if you owe money, don't be intimidated by debt collectors—negotiate as hard as you can. There's no harm in asking to pay less or to get items removed from your credit report. Download our free letter templates and get started immediately.

debt settlement letter template Learn More

Debt Settlement Letter Template

If you have debts that you can't pay in full, you can use a debt...

example of a pay for delete letter Learn More

Pay-for-Delete Letter Template

You can use a pay for delete letter to remove a negative item from your...

example of a goodwill letter to send to a creditor Learn More

Goodwill Letter Template Download

You can send a goodwill letter to a creditor or debt collector to remove...

debt settlement letter template Learn More

Debt Settlement Letter Template

If you have debts that you can't pay in full, you can use a debt...

example of a pay for delete letter Learn More

Pay-for-Delete Letter Template

You can use a pay for delete letter to remove a negative item from your...

example of a goodwill letter to send to a creditor Learn More

Goodwill Letter Template Download

You can send a goodwill letter to a creditor or debt collector to remove...

Student Loan & Medical Debt in Collections

Different types of debts come with different sets of rules, problems, and solutions. Here's what you need to know if your debt in collections is in a special category, like medical or student loans.

debt collection credit report with plus sign icon

Medical Debt in Collections

student loan money and graduation cap icon

Student Loans in Collections

Debt Collection Laws & Legal Resources

If you're being hounded by collectors who are damaging your credit for debts you don't owe, here's how US law protects you from those unfair practices.

What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

The FDCPA is a law that protects borrowers from predatory debt collectors and harmful debt collection practices.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?

The FCRA is a law that promotes accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies like Experian, Transunion, and Equifax.

Submit a Complaint

Having trouble with a financial product or service? If you've already tried reaching out to the company and still have an issue, you can submit a complaint directly with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.

Start a complaint

Debt Collection and Your Credit

Collection accounts severely damage your credit score. Learn how your credit is affected by collections, what your path to recovery will look like, and specific strategies for fixing your credit report.

Hand with money passing it to a debt collector in exchange for raising his credit score

Does Paying Off Collections Improve Your Credit Score?

Paying off collections won’t always improve your credit score, but it can in certain circumstances, depending on the scoring model used and whether you pay the debt in full.

Jesslyn Firman
Hot air balloon representing credit score increasing after paying off collections

How Many Points Will My Credit Score Increase After I Pay Off Collections?

Yi-Jane Lee
Credit score gauge being rebuilt after a collection damaged it

How to Rebuild Your Credit After Having a Debt Sent to Collections

Renée Chen
Wristwatch next to a collection account on a credit report

How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report?

Collections can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years, starting from the date of your first missed payment. However, there are exceptions.

Renée Chen
Someone removing a collection account from their credit report

5 Ways to Remove Collections from Your Credit Report

Victoria Scanlon
Hand removing a paid collection sticker from credit report

How to Remove a Paid Collection Account from Your Credit Report

Yi-Jane Lee
Get Your Credit Report Check Your Credit Score

Get your credit report and discover your credit score from all three credit bureaus. Checking your score won't hurt your credit.

Learn About Your Debt Collector

There are thousands of debt collection agencies in the United States. Learn who's trying to collect from you, who they're collecting for, how to contact them, and whether they have a history of breaking debt collection laws.

Most Active Debt Collection Companies

Americollect CBE Group CBNA Commonwealth Financial Convergent Outsourcing Credence Resource Management Enhanced Recovery Company GC Services IC System Jefferson Capital Systems LVNV Funding LLC Midland Credit Management National Credit Systems Phoenix Financial Services Portfolio Recovery Associates Radius Global Solutions Sunrise Credit Services Transworld Systems TrueAccord Wakefield and Associates
View full list of debt collection agencies
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