What To Do If A Debt Collector Contacts You

Getting a call, letter, or email from a debt collector can feel scary and overwhelming. You might not recognize the name of the company contacting you, or you might be unsure about what to say or do. But the most important thing to know is this: you have rights, and you do not have to respond immediately.

This article will walk you through your first steps, how to protect yourself, and what to do next.

First steps when a debt collector contacts you

If you get a phone call from a debt collector, here's what to do right away:

Stay calm and grab a pen and paper, or create a note on your phone or computer. Write down:

1. The date and time of the call
2. The name of the person who called
3. The company they work for or represent 
4. What they say about the debt—how much is it, where did it come from, who do you owe it to.

Don't agree to anything right away or admit the debt is yours until you get it in writing.

Save all letters, emails, and voicemails. These could be important if there's a problem later.

Don't agree to anything right away. Don't promise to pay or admit that the debt is yours until you've had a chance to look at the details and verify that they're all correct.

If you received a letter or "debt collection notice" in the mail:  

• See this guide by Oregon Consumer Justice, a nonprofit that supports Oregonians dealing with consumer issues. 

Make sure the debt is real

Debt collectors are required by law to send you a validation notice within five days of first contacting you. This notice must include:
- The name of the original creditor
- The total amount you owe
- Information on how to dispute or ask for more details

You have 30 days from when they first contact you to ask for more information or dispute the debt in writing. If you do, they must stop trying to collect until they send you more information.

Watch out for scams

Some scammers pretend to be debt collectors to scare people into paying money they don’t owe. Be careful if:
- The caller refuses to give details about the debt
- They demand payment right away or only accept gift cards or wire transfers
- They threaten you with arrest or jail

If anything feels suspicious, do not share personal or financial information. Contact the original company you owed money to or check the collector’s name with the Oregon Department of Justice.

Don’t ignore the debt

Even if you can’t pay, ignoring a debt collector won’t make the problem go away. They might take legal action, which could lead to a court judgment or garnishment.

You don’t have to make a payment right away—but it’s important to respond and understand your options. Taking small steps now can protect you later.

You have rights

Debt collectors must follow rules under federal and Oregon law. That means:
- They can’t call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- They can’t call you at work if you tell them your employer doesn’t allow it
- They can’t tell your friends or family about the debt
- They can’t harass or threaten you

You can also ask them in writing to stop contacting you. They must stop, except to tell you they are ending collection or filing a lawsuit.

Your options

Once you’ve gathered the facts, here are some things you can do:
- Dispute the debt: If the debt seems wrong, send a written letter within 30 days. The collector must stop contacting you until they provide proof.
- Negotiate a payment plan or settlement: If the debt is real but you can’t pay all at once, you may be able to set up smaller payments or settle for a lower amount.
- Ask them to stop contacting you: You can send a written request. This won’t erase the debt, but it can give you space to figure out your next step.
- Get help if you can’t pay: You might be “collection proof” if your income or property is protected by law.

Where to get help

If you’re unsure what to do next, help is available:
- Contact a local legal aid office
- Talk to a nonprofit credit counselor
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or Oregon Department of Justice