What do debt collectors not want you to know?

Asked by: Marlee Fadel  |  Last update: January 4, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (63 votes)

Debt collectors don't want you to know that you can make them stop calling, they can't do most of what they tell you, payment deadlines are phony, threats are inflated, and they can't find out how much you have in the bank. Furthermore, if you're out of state, they may have no legal recourse to collect.

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 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.

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.

What are two things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

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.

Do NOT Pay Collections Agencies | Debt Collectors EXPOSED

16 related questions found

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 long before a debt is 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.

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 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.

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 you 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 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.

What is the golden rule of debt?

In the golden rule, a budget deficit and an increase in public debt is allowed if and only if the public debt is used to finance public investment.

Why you should never pay a debt collector?

Paying an old collection debt can actually lower your credit score temporarily. That's because it re-ages the account, making it more recent again. This can hurt more than help in the short term. Even after it's paid, the negative status of “paid collection” will continue damaging your score for years.

What are the three things debt collectors need to prove?

What does the creditor have to prove in a debt lawsuit?
  • The creditor owns your debt.
  • You are the individual who owes the debt.
  • The amount you owe is accurate.

How to get rid of debt collectors without paying?

Once you notify the debt collector in writing that you dispute the debt, as long as it is within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, the debt collector must stop trying to collect the debt until they've provided you with verification in response to your dispute.

What is called debt trap?

A debt trap means the inability to repay credit amount. It is a situation where the debtor could not be able to repay the credit amount.

What is debt forgiveness called?

Debt relief or debt cancellation is the partial or total forgiveness of debt, or the slowing or stopping of debt growth, owed by individuals, corporations, or nations. From antiquity through the 19th century, it refers to domestic debts, in particular agricultural debts and freeing of debt slaves.

What are the 11 words?

The phrase in question is: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These 11 words, when used correctly, can provide significant protection against aggressive debt collection practices.

What not to tell 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 much will a debt collector settle for?

According to the American Association for Debt Resolution, the average settlement amount is 50.7% of the balance owed. So yes, if you owed a dollar, you'd get out of debt for fifty cents. But the average amount of debt enrolled is $4,500. That means you should still expect to pay a hefty sum to get out of debt.

How do debt collectors find your bank account?

Here are some of the most common ways creditors find out about your bank accounts.
  1. Post-Judgment Discovery Tools. ...
  2. Examination of Public Records. ...
  3. Hire a Private Investigator. ...
  4. Previous Payments. ...
  5. Third-Party Contacts. ...
  6. Checking for Automatic Payments.

Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency?

Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency? Your rights are the same as if you were dealing with the original creditor. If you do not believe you should pay the debt, for example, if a debt is stature barred or prescribed, then you can dispute the debt.

Should I pay a debt that is 7 years old?

You're not obligated to pay, though, and in most cases, time-barred debts no longer appear on your credit report, as credit reporting agencies generally drop unpaid debts after seven years from the date of the original delinquency.

Can you go to jail for uncollected debt?

In some states, you can choose jail instead of repaying debt

Some states, including California and Missouri, offer a third option for those who cannot afford to pay their criminal justice debts: choosing jail. By choosing to go to jail, it may be possible to avoid wage garnishment and reduce criminal justice debt.