My Debt Collection Rights Toolkit

You can access the Debt Collection Rights Toolkit through Texas Appleseed.

For tips to help you know if a debt collector is real or just someone trying to scare you into giving them money, you can use the guide from the toolkit to learn the difference. This guide discusses:

• Steps you can take to make sure the calls are real;
• How to get proof;
• Your rights; and
• What to do if the scam calls won't stop.

Debt collectors sometimes use scare tactics to get you to pay them. Sometimes these scare tactics are illegal. You can learn how to stand up for your rights using the guide on scare tactics. This guide discusses:

• The law and harassing calls;
• How to stop the collector from calling and harassing you; and
• How to dispute the debt.

Use the guide on how to navigate debt collection for tips on what to do if a debt collector sues you. This guide includes:

• Information on responding to the lawsuit;
• How to respond to the lawsuit; and
• What happens if a court issues a judgment against you.

Has someone sued you for a debt and you don't think you can pay? You might be judgment proof. Being "judgment proof" means creditors can't seize your property and income because it is “exempt” by law.

Use the guide about what judgment proof means to help you see if you are judgment proof. This guide includes information about:

• What it means to be judgment proof;
• What property and income are exempt from creditors;
• If you paycheck is exempt; and
• What to do if there is a judgment against you.