What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

If you are contacted by a debt collector, the first thing to do is to stay calm. You should also know your rights and take note of any information provided by the debt collector. Under consumer fraud law in California, debt collectors are not allowed to engage in unfair debt collection practices. This includes things like threatening to repossess your property or harass you with excessive phone calls. Debt collectors must provide the following information to you in written form: the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement that you have the right to dispute the debt. In addition, you should be aware that the debt collector may be required to file a lawsuit against you to collect the debt. In California, the debt collector must file a lawsuit within four years after the debt was incurred. You also have the right to dispute the debt, in writing, with the debt collector. If you do this, the debt collector must provide you with proof of the debt, such as copies of bills, cancelled checks, or other documents. It is important to note that while you may want to pay off the debt, you should never provide debt collectors with your personal financial information. Never give them bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information. If a debt collector violates consumer fraud law, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission. You may also have the right to sue the debt collector for any financial damages caused by their illegal collection methods.

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What should I do if I am contacted by a debt collector?

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