What to do when a debt collector contacts you
A phone call or letter is not proof you owe the amount being claimed. Start by checking who is contacting you and what they are collecting.
Read the guideA CLEARER WAY FORWARDA little clarity.
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A next step.
Debt can take up a lot of room in your life. Find plain-language answers and practical tools to work through it, one decision at a time.
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Start with the next useful one.
Start with the next useful one.
START WITH YOUR SITUATION
Not sure where to begin? ↗What's on your mind?
The bills don't fit my budget
Make room for essentials and look at your options.
A collector contacted me
Check the notice before making a promise or payment.
A medical bill doesn't add up
Compare the paperwork and prepare your questions.
My credit report looks wrong
Find the records and understand the dispute process.
Received court papers? A court deadline is different from a collection reminder.Read this first →
YOUR PRACTICAL TOOLBOXLess guesswork.
Less guesswork.
More understanding.
Compare a plan. Check a bill. Keep a record. These tools work in your browser, without sending your entries to us.
GOOD INFORMATION IS A START
Explore the guide library →Read before you decide.
Served with a debt lawsuit? Do these things first
A court summons is not another collection letter. The deadline to respond may be more important than the amount being demanded.
Read the guideBefore you pay a medical bill, check these details
Medical bills often arrive before insurance disputes are finished. Check the numbers and coverage before agreeing to a payment plan.
Read the guideKNOW WHAT YOU'RE READING
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Our guides link to primary sources and explain limitations. They are educational, not personalized legal, financial or tax advice. Your state and circumstances matter.