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Open a result for the full resource: rights, what it means, what to save, what to do first, what not to do, where to report and Defentra/Elite action options.
A template for telling a debt collector to stop contacting you, with warnings about what this does and does not do.
Consumers may be able to tell a debt collector in writing to stop contacting them, but this does not erase the debt or stop certain legal notices.
What to do when a collector threatens you, keeps calling, refuses to explain the debt or claims you owe money you do not recognize.
Consumers have rights when dealing with debt collectors. If you do not believe you owe the debt or the amount is wrong, you can dispute it with the collector and keep written records.
What to know before telling a debt collector to stop contacting you.
Consumers may be able to tell a debt collector in writing to stop contacting them, but this does not erase the debt or prevent certain legal notices.
Understand what to save and what to do when a debt collector contacts you about a debt.
Consumers have rights when dealing with debt collectors. If you do not believe you owe the debt or the amount is wrong, you can dispute it with the collector and, if it appears on your credit report, with the credit reporting company.
What a debt collector should provide and how to use validation information when you do not recognize a debt.
Debt collectors generally must provide validation information about the debt, including who the creditor is, the amount and how to dispute the debt.
What to do when a collector contacts you about a debt you do not recognize or believe belongs to someone else.
Consumers can dispute debts they do not believe they owe and should preserve validation information, credit report entries and proof supporting the dispute.
A template for requesting information about a debt from a debt collector.
Consumers can ask for information that helps identify the debt, the creditor, the amount and the collector.
What to do when a medical bill is sent to collections, the amount looks wrong or a collector contacts you about medical debt.
Medical debt issues can involve billing accuracy, insurance processing, surprise billing protections, debt collection rights and credit reporting rules.
What to do when a caller threatens you, claims to be a bank, government agency, debt collector, delivery company, police officer, utility company or business.
Consumers should treat urgent unknown calls and suspicious voicemails carefully, especially when the caller asks for payment, security codes, banking access or personal information.
What to do when medical debt, medical collections or surprise medical charges appear on a credit report.
Medical debt credit reporting rules and industry practices are specific and can change. Consumers should verify whether the item is accurate, complete, current and legally reportable.
What to do if someone tells you to pay with gift cards for taxes, bail, tech support, grants, debts, utilities or emergencies.
Requests for payment by gift card are a major scam warning sign. Gift cards are meant for gifts, not payments to agencies, businesses, collectors or strangers.
When a situation needs more than reading, use Defentra to scan, check, document and preserve evidence. For qualifying issues, Elite support can help organize the next steps.
This Resource Center is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, remedies, deadlines and reporting paths can vary by state, account type, contract, agency rules and case facts.
