If you receive a call from a debt collector, before you discuss anything, be sure you have received a debt validation letter, which debt collectors are legally required to send you. The debt validation letter specifies the debt, how much you owe and other pertinent information. If you are not sure of the debt you are being asked to pay, or there is inaccurate information, you can send the debt collector a debt verification letter requesting additional information. You have the legal right to require the debt collector to prove you owe the money under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

A debt verification letter can be a powerful tool for interacting with debt collectors. The key is to be thorough in your request for debt verification. Your letter should state that you dispute the validity of the debt and that you want documentation verifying the debt. Also, request the name and address of the original creditor. If you have made payments on the debt or have paid the debt off, include copies of documentation illustrating the payments you have made. If the debt collector fails to respond to your validation letter after 30 days, then legally they must cease collection efforts, and remove negative items placed by them on your credit report.

Keep in mind, you only have 30 days to respond to a debt validation letter. If you do not dispute the debt specified in the letter within 30 days, the debt will be assumed to be valid, which means the debt collector can continue to contact you until it is paid. If the debt specified in the debt validation letter is legitimate and completely accurate then you are required to pay the debt in full.

If you receive calls from a collection agency, you can inform them you prefer to pay the original creditor and request they provide their address so you can send them a cease-and-desist letter. If they call you while at work, you can inform them your employer does not allow you to take the calls at work and to not call again.

Contact the original debtor and try negotiating a payment plan or a reduction of the total amount due. If you do reach a settlement, be prepared to make a payment, as most creditors will expect to receive a payment from you immediately. If the debt has been sold to a collection agency you can also try negotiating with them. Be sure to keep records of any payments you have made.