Debt Collector Rights Checker
Know your rights against debt collectors
Tell us about the debt
Frequently Asked Questions
What can debt collectors legally do?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors can contact you by phone, mail, or in person between 8 AM and 9 PM local time. They can report the debt to credit bureaus, file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, and contact your attorney if you have one. They cannot harass, threaten, use false information, or call before 8 AM or after 9 PM.
What can debt collectors NOT do?
Debt collectors are prohibited from: calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM, calling repeatedly to harass you, using profane language, threatening violence, making false statements (like claiming to be a lawyer or government agent), threatening legal action they cannot or do not intend to take, or discussing your debt with third parties (except your spouse or attorney).
Can debt collectors call my workplace?
A debt collector can call your workplace once to locate you, but if you tell them your employer prohibits such calls, or if you simply tell them to stop calling work, they must stop immediately. Put this request in writing via certified mail to create a clear record.
How do I dispute a debt in collections?
Under the FDCPA, you generally have 30 days from the collector's initial contact to dispute a debt. Send a written dispute letter via certified mail, return receipt requested. The collector is then generally required to stop collection activity until they provide written verification of the debt. Keep copies of everything. A dispute does not erase the debt, but it forces the collector to verify it.
What is the statute of limitations on debt?
The statute of limitations is the window during which a creditor can sue you to collect a debt. It varies by state (typically 3-6 years) and by debt type (credit card, medical, written contract, etc.). After it expires, the debt is "time-barred" and collectors cannot legally sue you. Be careful — making a payment or even acknowledging the debt in writing can reset the clock in some states.
How do I get debt collectors to stop contacting me?
Send a written "cease communication" letter via certified mail. Once a debt collector receives it, they can only contact you one more time — to confirm they will stop or to notify you of a specific action they intend to take (like filing a lawsuit). This doesn't erase the debt, but it stops the calls. The FDCPA grants you this right under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c).
Related Tools
Wage Garnishment Calculator
Check if they're taking too much from your paycheck
Benefits Eligibility Screener
Find every benefit you qualify for in 2 minutes
Free Tax Filing Finder
Find the right free way to file your taxes
Credit Score Build & Repair Planner
Build or fix your credit score step by step
Predatory Loan Calculator
See the true price of that loan
Rent-to-Own Cost Exposer
See the real price of rent-to-own