CLEARBORROW · PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 2026
What to do when a debt collector calls
Do not pay on the first call. Ask for the validation notice, which must show the creditor, the amount and how to dispute. You have 30 days to dispute in writing, and the collector must pause collection until it verifies the debt. Collectors are presumed to break the law if they call about a debt more than seven times in seven days, and generally cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
On this page
On the first call
- Get the collector’s name, company, address and phone number.
- Ask which creditor and account the debt is from, and the amount.
- Say you want the information in writing; do not confirm the debt or pay yet.
- Write down the date, time and what was said.
If the collector does not or cannot provide validation information, it could be a scam (CFPB ↗).
The validation notice
It must arrive in the first communication or within five days and list, among other things, the creditor, the account number, an itemization of interest and fees, the current amount and the end date of a 30-day dispute period (CFPB ↗). If you dispute in writing within that period, the collector must stop collecting the disputed amount until it responds (CFPB ↗).
Call limits and timing
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| 7-in-7 | Presumed violation if a collector calls about a particular debt more than seven times within seven days |
| After a conversation | Presumed violation if it calls again within seven days of talking with you about that debt |
| Hours | Generally not before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or at times or places you say are inconvenient |
| Voicemails count | A call that goes to voicemail counts as a call placed |
Sources: CFPB ↗, Regulation F § 1006.14 ↗.
How to stop the contact
Send a letter telling the collector to stop contacting you; it must stop, though the debt does not go away and it may still sue if the debt is not time-barred (CFPB ↗). The CFPB has sample letters.
If the debt is old
Check whether it is past your state’s deadline before paying anything — see statute of limitations on debt.
Getting help
- A nonprofit credit counselor can review your budget for free or low cost (CFPB ↗).
- Legal aid can help if you are sued; never ignore court papers.
- You can send a complaint to the CFPB, which forwards it to the company (CFPB ↗).
Questions
Can a debt collector call my work?
Not at a time or place you say is inconvenient, including work if you tell them your employer does not allow such calls.
Can they threaten to arrest me?
No. Failing to repay a consumer debt is not a crime; a threat of arrest is a red flag.
Should I ignore the collector?
No. Ask for written validation and respond in writing; ignoring a lawsuit can lead to a default judgment.
Sources and limits
- CFPB: when and how often can a debt collector call me? ↗
- CFPB: Regulation F § 1006.14 — harassing, oppressive or abusive conduct ↗
- CFPB: what information a debt collector must give you ↗
- CFPB: how do I get a debt collector to stop contacting me? ↗
- CFPB: what should I do when a debt collector contacts me? ↗
- CFPB: can debt collectors collect a debt that is several years old? ↗
Sources checked November 12, 2026. This is general information, not legal, tax or benefits advice; rules differ by state. Worked examples are our own arithmetic, not offers. How we use sources.