Debt Collection

When a consumer does not pay a debt, lenders or collection agencies have the right to take reasonable steps to give the consumer a chance to pay. They can usually telephone the consumer and make other reasonable efforts to let the consumer know that the debt is owed and the amount. Consumers can expect to receive letters giving them the same information.

Under most circumstances, lenders – and in some states debt collectors and collection agencies – can sue the consumer to recover money owed.