Situation, step by step
A debt collector is after me. What do I do, step by step?
Most people look for help only when court papers arrive. By then, some of the easiest steps are behind them. This page walks the whole path, so you can use the rights you have at every stage.
Federal law limits how collectors contact you, gives you a notice describing the debt with 30 days to dispute it, and pauses collection of a disputed amount until the collector responds. If a collector sues, the court's deadline decides whether your side is heard.
The first 72 hours
Do these first
- Don't confirm the debt on the phone. Ask for the validation notice in writing.
- Write down the date and time of every contact.
- When the notice arrives, circle the end date of your 30 days to dispute.
- Got court papers? Find the response deadline on them today.
The path, stage by stage
- Stage 1 · Your rights
The call
A collector is presumed to break the law if it calls more than 7 times in 7 days about a debt.
Your rights on the call - Stage 2 · Notice
The validation notice
Who is collecting, an itemized amount, and how to dispute.
30 days to disputeWhat it must say - Stage 3 · How to
Your written dispute
Dispute in writing within the 30 days and collection of the disputed amount pauses until they respond.
Before day 30How to dispute - Stage 4 · Court papers
The summons
Someone is suing you. Most debt lawsuits are in state court; the papers name the court and the deadline.
Deadline on the papersHow a summons works - Stage 5 · Court papers
Your answer
Respond in time, or the other side can win without the court hearing you: a default judgment.
Set by the courtAnswering a complaint - Stage 6 · The moment
Hearing or settlement
Tell your side clearly, or negotiate a settlement you can live with.
Rehearse the hearing
Your situation, in questions
| If… | What to do | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| You don't recognise the debt | Dispute it in writing before the 30-day end date on the notice. | Collection of the disputed amount pauses until they respond. |
| They call several times a day | Keep a log and ask for contact in writing only. | Seven calls on one day can still be unlawful. |
| They threaten you or your family | Write down exactly what was said, then submit a complaint to the CFPB. | Federal law protects you against harassment. |
| You were served with court papers | Find the response deadline today and get help. | Missing it can mean a default judgment. |
What you may be entitled to
- A validation notice with an itemized amount and a 30-day dispute period.
- A pause in collecting a disputed amount while your written dispute is answered.
- Limits on how often a collector can call you.
- Free legal aid, if you are eligible.
Official sources
- CFPB: When and how often can a debt collector call me? consumerfinance.gov
- CFPB: What information does a debt collector have to give me? consumerfinance.gov
- CFPB: What should I do when a debt collector contacts me? consumerfinance.gov
- U.S. Courts: Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (default, Rule 55) uscourts.gov
Related
This page explains the law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation. Justice is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any court or government agency.