(InvestigateTV) — Getting a call from a debt collector can feel overwhelming—and intimidating. But consumer advocates say the worst thing you can do is panic or pay right away. Before taking action, it’s important to validate the debt and understand your legal rights.
Leslie Tayne, a veteran debt relief attorney, said one of the most common mistakes people make is avoiding debt collection calls altogether.
“Don’t be afraid to say, who are you? Where are you calling from and what is the purpose of the call?” Tayne advised. “If you’re still unsure whether they’re asking you for personal information to verify certain details, you can ask them for a phone number. You can look them up yourself online. Do a little independent research to make sure that it’s legitimate and not a scam.”
If a collector claims you owe money, Tayne recommended asking them to send a validation letter. This document outlines key information about the debt, including how much you owe, who the original creditor was, and how to dispute the debt if necessary.
Tayne also stressed the importance of verifying whether the debt is even yours—or whether it’s a mistake, a scam, or an old debt that’s already been resolved.
Avoiding calls altogether won’t make the debt go away, she said. In fact, it could make things worse.
“If you hide from a debt collector, that doesn’t mean that they go away,” she shared. “Even if things get quiet for a few weeks or a few months, that could be because they’re preparing to sue you or to send additional debt collection efforts after you. If they sue you and you ignore that, and you end up with a judgment against you, you could find that your bank accounts get frozen, your wages get garnished, or they could seize other assets and make life really difficult.”
Tayne said Letting valid debt go unchecked can harm your credit over time.
She urged people to seek help from an experienced debt resolution attorney or a trusted advisor to ensure rights are protected and that the debt is resolved.