Phone script · A debt collector who called you
Talking to a debt collector
Get the facts about the debt before you agree to anything or pay anything.
Have this ready
- Paper and pen
- Any letters you've gotten about the debt
What to say
- Open
“Before we talk about payment, I need some information.”
- Get their details
“What's your name, your company's name, and a mailing address?”
- Ask about the debt
“Who is the original creditor, and what amount do you say I owe?”
- Ask for it in writing
“Please send me the validation notice in writing, including how to dispute it.”
- Set limits
“Please only call me [time / way]. I'm not agreeing to pay anything on this call.”
Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and what they said.
Rather text or email?
The same ask, written down. Fill in the brackets, then copy. A written message also gives you a dated record.
Email or letter asking for details
Subject: Request for information about account [reference number]
To [company name],
You contacted me on [date] about a debt. Before I discuss payment, please send me the validation notice in writing, including the name of the original creditor, the amount you say I owe, and how to dispute it.
Please contact me only [by mail / by email at (address) / between (times)]. This message is not an agreement to pay.
[Your name]
[Mailing address]
Short reply to a text or email from them
I've received your message. Please send the validation notice in writing to [mailing address or email]. I'm not agreeing to pay anything at this time.
After the call
- A collector generally has to give you the creditor's name, the amount and how to dispute it, at first contact or within five days. If they can't, it could be a scam. Source: CFPB1
- Don't give bank or card numbers until you've confirmed they're legitimate. Source: CFPB1 Dispute in writing, quickly, and keep copies. Some rights only last 30 days after first contact. Source: CFPB1
- Collectors can't harass you, threaten you, or call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.. Source: FTC2 Report problems to the CFPB.
The full lesson: Debt collectors: your rights
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau What should I do when a debt collector contacts me?
- Federal Trade Commission Debt collection FAQs
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Debt collection
Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.