A debt collector keeps calling me about a debt I don't recognize. What do I do?

Concerns & risks

Your phone buzzes again: a debt collector, about a debt you've never heard of. They sound urgent and want payment today.

Paying or even admitting an unknown debt on the phone can create headaches later.

Causes & evidence

Under the FDCPA you can dispute a debt and ask the collector to validate it. Details: debt collection rights. Laws differ by state and country, so treat this as general info, not legal advice.

What to do

1. Don't confirm personal info on the call. Ask for the company name, address and the original creditor.
2. Send a written dispute and validation request within the window on their validation notice.
3. Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com for the account.
4. If they keep harassing you, report them to the CFPB.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: paying or admitting the debt on the first call before verifying it. Ask for the validation information in writing. Never give bank details to an unverified caller. Scammers pose as collectors too.

Speed Man tip: If it looks like identity theft, jump to the identity theft recovery steps.

Wrap-up: You can dispute a debt and demand validation in writing. Don't admit or pay unknown debts by phone. Report harassment to the CFPB or FTC.