My Debt Collection Rights Toolkit
Money & Debt
Learn about your rights to help you stop harassing phone calls, challenge a debt, and respond to a debt collection lawsuit with this toolkit from Texas Appleseed. The toolkit provides an interactive resource with videos, information, and forms for Texans in the debt collection process.
Special thanks to Texas Appleseed for its contribution to this article.
Where can I get the toolkit?
You can access the Debt Collection Rights Toolkit through Texas Appleseed.
Is this debt collection call real or a scam?
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.
What are common scare tactics debt collectors use?
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.
You got sued by a debt collector. Now what?
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.
Are you judgment proof?
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.
Read Texas Appleseed's explanation of the concept of being judgment proof to learn what being judgment proof means. It can help you determine whether you are judgment proof. The 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.
Related Articles
-
Debt Collection
This article explains your rights and options under the law if you are facing debt collection. -
How to Negotiate a Settlement with a Debt Collector
This article provides information on how to deal with a debt collector. -
Debts and Deceased Relatives
This article answers frequently asked questions on debt management and communication about debt after a debtor’s death. -
Taming Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt can rack up really quickly. Master ways to keep the balances manageable. -
Can a debt collector take my Social Security or Veterans benefits?
Debt collection and benefits