Coerced Debt Toolkit

First, understand coerced debt. Learn about coerced debt and if it affects you.

• How do I know if I could be a victim of coerced debt?
• Why is it important to know if I am a victim of coerced debt?
• I think I might have coerced debt. What can I do?

Second, learn how to protect yourself from future financial abuse.

• Step 1: Ensure your immediate safety.
• Step 2: Change all your online account information.
• Step 3: Put a credit freeze or fraud alert in place.
• Step 4: Collect your personal identifying documents.
• Step 5: File for a protective order with provisions to ensure your economic security.

Third, discover if you have coerced debt.

• Step 1: Request Your Credit Reports.
• Step 2: Review Your Credit Reports.

Fourth, learn how to dispute different kinds of coerced debt and block it from appearing on a credit report.

• Step 1: Figure out which consumer reporting agencies to contact.
• Step 2: Request your credit report from the consumer reporting agency that prepared it.

• Step 1: Make sure the debt is real.
• Step 2: Get proof.
• Step 3: Know your rights.

Finally, learn how to defend yourself. Learn what to do if you are sued for a debt that isn't yours.

• Introduction: Know your rights.
• Step 1: Find out the details about the debt that was taken out in your name.
• Step 2: File an identity theft report. Give the report to the lender or debt collector. This may prevent a debt collection lawsuit.
• Step 3: Dispute the debt and other information that you think is incorrect with the consumer reporting agency that is reporting it.
• Step 4: Dispute the debt with the furnisher.

• Respond To The Lawsuit.
• File An Identify Theft Report. Send a copy to the debt collector.
• Why Is It Important To Respond To A Debt Collection Lawsuit?
• What Happens After I File My Answer?
• What Happens If I Get A Default Judgment Issued Against Me?

• List of Domestic Abuse and Legal Resources
• Forms and Sample Letters
• Glossary
• About Texas Appleseed and the Texas Coalition on Coerced Debt