A Collector Just Called.
Here's Exactly What To Do.

Step 1 — Check Your Statute of Limitations

Before anything else: find out if this debt is time-barred. After the statute of limitations expires in your state, collectors cannot win a lawsuit against you — the debt becomes legally uncollectable through the courts. You might not owe anything at all.

Key warning: Making even a $1 payment on a time-barred debt can restart the clock in most states. Check before you pay.

Step 2 — Send a Debt Validation Letter

Under the FDCPA, you have 30 days from first contact to demand the collector prove: (1) the debt is legally yours, (2) the amount is correct, (3) they have the right to collect it. Until they respond, they must stop all collection activity.

Many collectors — especially those handling old "zombie debt" — cannot actually validate. Sending this letter costs you nothing and stops everything.

Step 3 — Know What They Can and Cannot Do

The FDCPA gives you specific protections. Collectors cannot call before 8am or after 9pm, use abusive language, threaten legal action they can't take, or contact you at work after you've told them not to.

If they've already violated any of these, you may have grounds to sue them for up to $1,000 per violation — without an attorney, in federal court.

Step 4 — Calculate Your Payoff & Negotiate

If the debt is valid and within the SOL, collectors often settle for 40–60 cents on the dollar — especially if the debt has been sold multiple times. Before negotiating, know exactly what you can afford to pay as a lump sum, and get any settlement agreement in writing before sending a dime.

Step 5 — Stop All Contact With a Cease & Desist

If you've sent a validation letter and they're still calling, or if the debt is time-barred and you don't want any further contact, send a cease and desist letter. They are legally required to stop all contact — calls, letters, everything — after receiving it. The only thing they can do is notify you of a lawsuit.