How do I tell whether a debt collector is legitimate?
Reviewed answer
Request written debt details and verify the collector before disclosing sensitive information.
- Ask for the collector's name, mailing address, creditor, amount, and written validation information.
- Contact the original creditor through your own records to check the collection claim.
- In the US, a written dispute within 30 days of validation information can require the collector to pause collection until verification.
Get help if
The caller refuses details or threatens arrest. Genuine court papers and deadlines still need attention.