Getting a call from a debt collector can make your stomach drop. Your heart races, your mind scrambles, and before you know it, you’ve said something you wish you hadn’t.

Here’s the thing: you have rights. Federal law protects you from abusive, misleading, and unfair debt collection practices. But most people don’t know that — and collectors count on it.

What to do:

• Stay calm. You don’t have to respond right away.
• Ask for the caller’s name, company, and a callback number.
• Request a written validation notice — they’re required to send one.
• Write down the date, time, and what was said.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t confirm personal details like your Social Security number or bank account.
• Don’t agree to pay anything on the spot — that can restart the clock on old debts.
• Don’t ignore it completely. Pretending it’s not happening won’t make it go away.

If the calls are constant, threatening, or happening at odd hours, that may actually be illegal. You might have more options than you think.

At Lincoln Law Center, we’ve helped thousands of people take back control of these situations. If you’re not sure what to do next, pick up the phone and talk to us — no cost, no pressure.