Debt Collector Response - Know Your Rights

📝 Share the Collection Communication

Is this the first contact?

Do you recognize this debt?

Your state

📚 Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) protects you from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by third-party collectors.

🔔 They Must Identify Themselves

Every communication must disclose they are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. This is the "Mini-Miranda" warning.

📋 You Can Request Validation

Within 30 days of first contact, demand they prove you owe the debt. They must stop collecting until they verify it.

🚫 They Can't Harass You

No threats, profanity, excessive calls, or calls before 8am or after 9pm in your time zone.

🤥 They Can't Lie

No false claims of being attorneys, threatening arrest, or misrepresenting amounts owed.

✋ You Can Make Them Stop

A written cease communication letter forces them to stop contacting you (they can still sue).

💰 Violations Have Consequences

Sue for actual damages plus up to $1,000 statutory damages, plus attorney's fees.

⏰ Important Deadlines

5 days: Collector must send written validation notice after initial contact
30 days: Your window to dispute the debt after receiving validation notice
1 year: Statute of limitations to sue a collector for FDCPA violations

📝 Response Letter Templates

Use these templates as starting points. Customize with your specific details before sending.

Select a template:

⚠️ Important These templates are for educational purposes. Customize them for your situation. Consider consulting an attorney for complex matters.