What To Say When A Bill Collector Calls
The Short Version
- Don't agree to pay anything on the first call.
- Ask for the validation notice in writing. It should show who they are and what they say you owe.
- You get 30 days to dispute the debt in writing. Then they have to pause collecting until they answer you.
- Never give a bill collector your bank account number over the phone.
Do You Have To Pay On The First Call?
No. First find out who they are and what they say you owe.
What Is A Validation Notice?
A letter the bill collector has to send you, in their first contact or within 5 days of it. It names the creditor, shows what they say you owe, and gives the last day you can dispute the debt.
What Do You Say?
Sent. Check Your Inbox.
The script is in an email from Nadia Fixes Money.
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How Do You Dispute The Debt?
Put it in writing before the date on the validation notice. Say which debt and that you dispute it. Keep a copy. Then they have to pause collecting the amount you dispute until they answer you.
What Do You Never Share?
Never give your bank account number or card number to a caller. If you need to call back, use the number on the validation notice.
Next Steps
- Ask for a lower interest rate.
- Ask about a hardship program.
- Take the 1 minute quiz: Which Stage Are You In?
Questions People Ask
What if I never got a validation notice?
Ask for it in writing. Until you have it, don't agree to pay.
What if they keep calling?
You can tell them in writing to stop contacting you. A debt that is really yours is still yours.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the debt collection rule (Regulation F).