Use federal law to stop collectors cold — and clean up your credit.
Debt collectors are counting on you not knowing your rights.
Federal law limits what debt collectors can say and do, and gives you the right to challenge what's on your credit report. We explain those rights in plain English, with the exact law behind every claim — free.
What's happening to you?
Pick the closest one. Each card goes to the guide that fits.
A collector won't stop calling
What's legal, what isn't, and how to make the calls stop.
Read the guide →There's a collection on my credit report
The three-step process for challenging collection accounts.
Read the guide →I think a collector broke the law
The eight big FDCPA rules, and what you can do if they broke one.
Read the guide →I don't understand my charge-off
What it means, how long it stays, and whether it can come off.
Read the guide →I'm trying to get a mortgage
Paid vs. deleted, pay-for-delete, and which score lenders use.
Read the guide →I've been sued over a debt
What to do before your deadline. Don't skip this one.
Read the guide →
- Every claim is sourced. Our guides cite the statute, regulation, or agency guidance behind each rule.
- Honest about limits. We'll tell you when something won't work — including the 609 letter myth and what pay-for-delete really does.
- Not a law firm. Not a credit repair company. We teach the rights you already have. How we write and review →
Free tools
Removal Date Calculator
When must a collection come off your credit report?
Use it free →Validation Deadline Calculator
How long you have to dispute a debt in writing.
Use it free →Which Letter Should I Send?
Answer five questions, get the right next step.
Use it free →Collector Call Log
A printable log for documenting every contact.
Use it free →
Watch and learn
Every guide has a matching video on our YouTube channel. Same facts, same sources, about 15 minutes each.
Browse by topic
Collector Rights
What debt collectors can and can't do under the FDCPA.
Letters
Validation, cease and desist, pay-for-delete, and dispute letters, explained line by line.
Credit Reports
Charge-offs, collections, disputes, and how long it all lasts.
Lawsuits
Statute of limitations, responding to a suit, and what a judgment can and can't take.