What are the top three things you should avoid when speaking to a debtor?

Asked by: Deron Feeney  |  Last update: December 2, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (12 votes)

7 communication mistakes in debt collection you want to avoid
  • Wait too long before talking to your customers about their debts. ...
  • Not prepare for interactions with your customers. ...
  • Ignore the reasons behind the late payments. ...
  • Become emotional or give in to your customers' emotions. ...
  • Leave your customers' commitments to chance.

What not to do when talking to a debt collector?

Some mistakes to avoid include:
  1. Failing to request verification of the debt. You have the right under debt collection laws to request that the debt collector provide you with verification of the debt. ...
  2. Not knowing the statute of limitations. ...
  3. Giving personal information. ...
  4. Admitting liability. ...
  5. Not retaining an attorney.

What are three things a collection specialist should avoid saying when speaking to a debtor?

5 things a debt collector should never say to you
  • “Let's see what your boss has to say about this.”
  • “We're going to have you arrested if you don't pay.”
  • “Pay us now, or we're going to ruin your credit score.”
  • “I don't have to tell you that.”
  • “I'll keep calling.”
  • The bottom line:

What should you never tell a debt collector?

During the call you should never say it's your debt, your account, that you ever had an account, and any other personal financial information. Don't lie if they ask you point-blank questions; just don't answer them by reiterating the first paragraph... several times if necessary.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

Monday Morning Memo | 5 Things You Should Never Say To A Debtor

17 related questions found

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors?

Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.

How to outsmart a debt collector?

6 steps for dealing with a debt collector
  1. Don't give in to pressure to pay on first contact. ...
  2. Gather the facts. ...
  3. Know your rights around communicating with debt collectors. ...
  4. Submit a complaint if the debt collector violates your rights. ...
  5. Never ignore a court summons for debt collection.

What's the worst a debt collector can do?

Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

How to legally beat debt collectors?

Here are a few suggestions that might work in your favor:
  1. Write a letter disputing the debt. You have 30 days after receiving a collection notice to dispute a debt in writing. ...
  2. Dispute the debt on your credit reports. ...
  3. Lodge a complaint. ...
  4. Respond to a lawsuit. ...
  5. Hire an attorney.

What are three things debt collectors are prohibited from doing?

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.

What debt collectors don't want you to know?

5 Things Debt Collectors Don't Want You to Know
  • Sometimes you can't be sued. ...
  • Your debt may have been sold or stolen. ...
  • Your credit report won't be squeaky clean after you pay. ...
  • If a collector breaks the rules, you can report it. ...
  • Being sued for debt doesn't mean you'll lose.

Can you go to jail for owing someone money?

It's possible to serve jail time if you've failed to pay your federal taxes or make child support payments. You can't go to jail merely for owing credit card, student loan, personal loan or other types of debt, which we'll explain below.

How to beat a warrant in debt?

Fighting the warrant in debt

Before the trial, the creditor will have to file a document stating the reasons why the creditor thinks that you owe money. You'll then have to respond with a similar document responding to the creditor's allegations and setting forth any defenses you might have.

How do you countersue a debt collector?

A counterclaim can be filed for violations of a federal statute like the FDCPA, or for a violation of a state law. A consumer can file a counterclaim by identifying the unlawful actions that the creditor or third-party debt collector or debt collection law firm may have engaged in during the collection process.

How much can you talk a debt collector down?

Some collectors want 75%–80% of what you owe. Others will take 50%, while others might settle for one-third or less. So, it makes sense to start low with your first offer and see what happens. And be aware that some collectors won't accept anything less than the total debt amount.

Can I verbally tell a debt collector to stop calling?

Regardless of how they're contacting you, you have the right to tell a debt collector to stop. This request must be made to the debt collector in writing.

What not to say to a debt collector?

If you get an unexpected call from a debt collector, here are several things you should never tell them:
  • Don't Admit the Debt. Even if you think you recognize the debt, don't say anything. ...
  • Don't provide bank account information or other personal information. ...
  • Document any agreements you reach with the debt collector.

How can I get a collection removed without paying?

How can you remove collections from a credit report?
  1. Step 1: Ask for proof. ...
  2. Step 2: Dispute inaccurate collections. ...
  3. Step 3: Ask for a pay-for-delete agreement. ...
  4. Step 4: Write a goodwill letter to your creditor. ...
  5. Step 5: Wait for the collection to fall off. ...
  6. Step 6: Seek professional help.

How to beat the debt collector?

Summary: If you're being sued by a debt collector, here are five ways you can fight back in court and win: 1) Respond to the lawsuit, 2) make the debt collector prove their case, 3) use the statute of limitations as a defense, 4) file a Motion to Compel Arbitration, and 5) negotiate a settlement offer.

Why should you never pay a charge off?

Even though your card issuer "writes off" the account, you're still responsible for paying the debt. Whether you repay the amount or not, the missed payments and the charge-off will appear on your credit reports for seven years and likely cause severe credit score damage.

How do I scare off debt collectors?

9 Ways to Get Rid of Debt Collectors
  1. Don't Wait for Them to Call. Consider picking up the phone and calling the debt collector yourself. ...
  2. Check Them Out. ...
  3. Dump it Back in Their Lap. ...
  4. Stick to Business. ...
  5. Show Them the Money. ...
  6. Ask to Speak to a Supervisor. ...
  7. Call Their Bluff. ...
  8. Tell Them to Take a Hike.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

What happens if you never answer a debt collector?

Ignoring or avoiding the debt collector may cause the debt collector to use other methods to try to collect the debt, including a lawsuit against you. If you are unable to come to an agreement with a debt collector, you may want to contact an attorney who can provide you with legal advice about your situation.

How do I defend myself against a debt collector?

Defenses you can use in a debt lawsuit
  1. Defense: Running the statute of limitations. The plaintiff must file a lawsuit within a set amount of time. ...
  2. Breach of contract by Plaintiff. ...
  3. No breach by Defendant. ...
  4. Discharge by bankruptcy. ...
  5. Statute of frauds. ...
  6. Satisfaction. ...
  7. Cancelation of contract. ...
  8. Lack of Consideration.

What is a weakness as a debt collector?

Almost all debt collectors and many original creditors share three main weaknesses with their cases: they have a hard time proving good title to the debt; they have certain major evidentiary issues getting any records of the debt in front of the court; and they lack the original contract that supposedly created the ...