When can a debt collector call you?

There are rules that dictate when a debt collector can call you — and how many times they're allowed to do it.

Topics

5 critical steps to take after a debt collector calls you

Have you been contacted by a debt collector? Don't panic. Take these important first steps instead.
CBS News - 4h
Lithuanian president doubts EU can agree on joint debt for armaments

Yahoo News - 8h
Can I negotiate my old tax debt with the IRS?

The IRS can use aggressive tactics to collect your tax debt, but you may be able to negotiate a settlement instead.
CBS News - 1d
How to dispute a collection debt you don't owe

Have you been contacted about a collection debt that isn't valid (or isn't yours)? Here's how to dispute it.
CBS News - 1d
7 things debt collectors are required to tell you

Debt collectors are required by law to disclose certain information and knowing what that is could benefit you.
CBS News - 4d
What debt collectors can (and can't) do if you owe money

There are certain approaches debt collectors can take, and some they can't, when trying to collect on a debt.
CBS News - 5d
Do debt collectors get paid if you file for bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy can offer big relief to those buried by debt, but do debt collectors get paid in the process?
CBS News - 6d
You can get anything at Costco, including DEI

Costco shareholders voted to reject pressure from the Trump administration to reconsider or abandon their DEI policies. Let's affirm that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to America ...
The Hill - Jan. 28
3 signs you need debt relief for 2025

Not sure if 2025 is the year to secure debt relief support? Here are three major signs to look for.
CBS News - Jan. 27
When everything is genocide, nothing is: A call to preserve the term’s weight

The term "genocide" has been weaponized and diluted, with the International Criminal Court and Amnesty International complicit in the distortion of its meaning, undermining international law and ...
The Hill - Jan. 27
Can you refinance a home equity loan into a HELOC?

Have a home equity loan? Refinancing to a HELOC right now could reduce your interest rate. Here's what to know.
CBS News - Jan. 27
Can You Wear Brown Shoes with Blue Pants?

Our fashion critic discusses the evolution of dress codes, including how rules — like one discouraging brown shoes with blue or black trousers — can come in and out of favor.
The New York Times - Jan. 27
How you can help the humanitarian effort in Gaza

And other philanthropic initiatives to support in February
Financial Times - Jan. 23
How do you prove a credit card debt is uncollectible?

Proving that your old credit card debt is uncollectible could save you a lot of hassle — and a lot of money.
CBS News - Jan. 21
Federal debt as far as the eye can see — and them some

The Congressional Budget Office projects the federal deficit will continue to rise, reaching $2.7 trillion by 2035, due to legislation passed by Joe Biden and Democrats. The new para-government ...
The Hill - Jan. 21
President Trump, You Can Remake the Middle East if You Dare

While the wages of success in the region will be enormous, the consequences of failure will be utterly hellish.
The New York Times - Jan. 21
When a spouse dies, there can be a ‘tax explosion’ for the one left behind

If you know what’s coming, you can plan ahead to mitigate some of the pain.
MarketWatch - Jan. 18
After call to overhaul diagnosis of obesity, how can you tell if your weight is a problem?

Report by Lancet Commission says BMI should be used as ‘screening tool’ rather than determining factor. This week, doctors confirmed what many people have felt for a long time: the way we think ...
The Guardian - Jan. 18
Can you dispute a debt that was sold to a debt collector?

Disputing a debt that has been sold to a debt collector is not just possible — it's your legal right.
CBS News - Jan. 17
What happens if a debt collector sues you but you can't pay?

Being sued over old debt is stressful, but there are ways to resolve this issue, even if you're short on funds.
CBS News - Jan. 17
What 11-word phrase can be used to stop debt collectors?

This simple phrase can be used with debt collectors to help stop their aggressive collection attempts.
CBS News - Jan. 16
Can a debt collector take you to court after 7 years?

Time-barred debts will eventually fall off your credit report, but the debt collection attempts may not end.
CBS News - Jan. 16
Tell Us: When Did You Know You Were Falling in Love?

We may include your story in an episode of the “Modern Love” podcast.
The New York Times - Jan. 16
What Happens When You Turn Your Life Over to an AI Assistant?

The hosts of Uncanny Valley spent the week following the advice of AI chatbots when it came to shopping, fitness, and parenting. Here’s how it went.
Wired - Jan. 16
Ask not what your government can do for you

The instinct to over-intervene runs across the political spectrum
Financial Times - Jan. 16
What credit counseling can (and can't) do to help with your debt

Before you take advantage of credit counseling, it may help to know what outcomes you can expect.
CBS News - Jan. 13
'Big Brother is watching you': Collector's coin marks George Orwell's death 75 years ago

A commemorative coin featuring the image of an eye and the inscription “Big Brother is watching you” is being released to pay tribute to “Nineteen Eighty-four” author George Orwell and mark his ...
ABC News - Jan. 13
This Communication Hack Can Help You Persuade Anyone

Science reveals how the present tense can be your superpower.
Inc. - Jan. 12
What happens if you don’t pay a medical bill, now that medical debt may not hurt your credit score?

Unpaid medical debt will no longer affect credit scores, according to a new rule from Biden administration regulators who want to mitigate the financial repercussions of those bills.
MarketWatch - Jan. 11
Here’s when you can file your 2024 taxes — and what’s new this year with refunds, tax laws and free tax prep

Income-tax refunds averaged more than $3,100 last year. How much will they be this year?
MarketWatch - Jan. 11
Caroline Darian, daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, speaks: ‘How can you rebuild when your father is the worst sexual predator in decades?’

Last month, her father was sentenced to 20 years for drugging her mother then inviting dozens of strangers to rape her. Now their daughter tells of the ‘crushing double burden’ of being the child ...
The Guardian - Jan. 11
Here's when you can start filing your 2024 tax returns

The new tax season is here. Read on to learn when you can file your 2024 tax return and get your refund.
CBS News - Jan. 10
Can a debt collector refuse my settlement offer?

Negotiating a successful debt settlement could be a little more complicated than you'd expect.
CBS News - Jan. 10
8 ways a credit card debt lawsuit can be dismissed

If you're being sued over delinquent credit card debt, there are a few ways you could get the lawsuit dismissed.
CBS News - Jan. 10
What happens if you deny a credit card debt settlement offer?

There are times when it makes sense to deny a debt settlement offer, but there could be repercussions for doing so.
CBS News - Jan. 9
Can you take out a HELOC with high credit card debt?

A HELOC is one of the most affordable borrowing options right now, but can you qualify for one with a lot of debt?
CBS News - Jan. 8
What happens when you lose a credit card debt collection lawsuit?

A few different scenarios could occur if a judgment is issued against you for your old credit card debt.
CBS News - Jan. 8
Can I qualify for credit card debt forgiveness with a low credit score?

A low credit score could limit your debt relief options — but will it make you ineligible for debt forgiveness?
CBS News - Jan. 7
What proof must credit card debt collectors provide for a debt?

Debt collectors must provide proof that a debt is valid. Otherwise, they have to stop their collection efforts.
CBS News - Jan. 6