What to Do If a Debt Collector Contacts You

When a debt collector contacts you, your first step is to stay calm and focus on gathering information. Don't admit the debt is yours, agree to pay, or share personal financial details right away.

Take notes if they call you:

• Date and time of the call.
• The name of the caller and their company
• What they said about the debt.

Save any letters or emails for your records.

Debt collectors must tell you:

• They are a debt collector trying to collect a debt.
• The name of the company you originally owed and how much you supposedly owe now.
• You have the right to dispute the debt. If you don't dispute it within 30 days, they can assume it is valid.

Who might be contacting you:

• Original creditor: The company you first owed money to. 
• A debt collector: A company or law firm hired to collect the debt.
• Debt buyer: A company that bought the debt and is now trying to collect. 

If you get a letter or email about a debt, it must include:

• A statement that it is from a debt collector.
• Your name and address.
• The debt collector's name and address.
• The name of the original creditor.
• The amount you owe.
• Instructions on how to dispute (challenge) or request more information.
• The deadline (30 days) to respond.

Tip: If any of this information is missing, it could be a scam. 

• Learn more in this article about debt collection notices, by the nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice.

Before you decide to pay review your own records (old bills, account statements) to see if the debt looks familiar and the details match.

Within 30 days, send a written request for more information:

• Ask the debt collector to mail you proof of the debt before you decide what to do. This is called a dispute letter.
• If you do this within 30 days of being contacted, they must stop trying to collect until they give you the information.
• Learn how in our guide to sending a dispute letter.

Why it's important to get more information:

Even if a collector contacts you, they may not have the legal right to collect, or the debt amount could be wrong. They may not be able to force you to pay, or you might have the right to pay less, if:

• You already paid the debt off, or it was eliminated in bankruptcy.
• The debt isn't yours, or they've added illegal fees or interest.
• The debt is really old.
• The debt collector isn't licensed in Oregon.

For more see:

• What Debt Collectors Can and Can't Do in Oregon
• Do I Have to Pay a Debt That's Really Old?

Signs it might be a scam:

• They refuse to send anything in writing.
• They demand immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cash apps.
• They threaten to have you arrested (which is illegal).
• "How Do I Tell if a Debt Collector Is Legitimate or a Scam?"

If you suspect a scam: Do not give out any information.

• File a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice.
• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

After you get information about the debt and check your own records, think about which of these situations sounds like yours:

I know I owe the debt and I can afford to pay it.

• You can pay in full or set up a payment plan. Get any agreement in writing first. Avoid automatic payments if your income changes often.
• You can also try to negotiate a lower amount or a payment plan. Learn how to negotiate with a debt collector.

I know I owe the debt, but I can't afford to pay it.

• A nonprofit credit counselor can help make a plan.
• If your only income is from Social Security, VA benefits, or similar programs, it may be protected. Learn about those protections here.
• You might also try to negotiate a smaller payment. 

I don't think I owe the debt or the amount is wrong.

• You can dispute the debt in writing. The collector has to stop collecting until they prove you owe it.
• See the steps for disputing a debt above.

I'm not sure if the debt is real.

• Be careful—some calls or messages are scams.
• Don't give out personal information or send money unless you're sure the collector is real. How to spot a debt collection scam.

If you're not sure what to do, or want help, talk to a lawyer or a nonprofit credit counselor.

Find more information based on your situation:

• Understanding debt collection
  • "Understanding Debt Collection in Oregon": Learn how debt collection works and what rules collectors must follow.
  • "What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do": Know your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
• Taking action
  • "Find Out More or Dispute a Debt in Collections": Step-by-step guide to disputing a debt.
• If things go further
  • Debt Collection Lawsuits and Judgments: What happens if a collector takes you to court.
  • Wage and Bank Account Garnishment: Learn if your money can be taken and what protections you have.
  • Bankruptcy: When it might be an option and where to get help.
• Get legal help
  • Search for free and low-cost legal services in our Legal Directory
  • Contact the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service to get connected with a lawyer for a low-cost consultation.