Debt collection answers

I'm a servicemember and I'm being sued. What can I do if I can't make it to court to defend myself or a default judgment is entered because I didn't appear in court?

Can I be arrested for an unpaid debt?

Can a creditor refer my account to a collection agency before my debt is due? Do I have to be told before a debt is turned in to collections?

Should I get a payday loan if I need money now?

What should I do when a debt collector contacts me?

How do I tell if a debt collector is legitimate or a scam?

Can my bank or credit union charge me a fee for garnishing my Social Security or VA benefits?

Should I share personal information with a debt collector?

When and how often can a debt collector call me on the phone?

Can a debt collector contact me through social media?

What is a “limited-content message?”

What should I know about debt collection and credit reporting if my medical bill was sent to collections?

What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act?

What is a zombie second mortgage?

What should I do if a debt collector contacts me about a mortgage I thought was already satisfied or written off?

What laws limit what debt collectors can say or do?

What is a debt collector and why are they contacting me?

What information does a debt collector have to give me about a debt they’re trying to collect from me?

Can debt collectors tell other people, like family, friends, or my employer, about my debt?

What should I do if I’m sued by a debt collector or creditor?

What is harassment by a debt collector?

Can a debt collector still collect a debt after I’ve disputed it?

What are my options if a debt collection agency contacts me about my student loans?

What happens if I default on a federal student loan?

Should I agree to co-sign someone else’s car loan?