Debt collection basics

Can a debt collector increase the interest rate on a debt I owe?

I was asked to co-sign financing for a car. What am I being asked to do and what does this mean for me?

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

What should I do when a debt collector contacts me?

Can my bank or credit union charge me a fee for processing a garnishment if I receive Social Security or VA benefits?

What is a “limited-content message?”

Can I be responsible to pay off the debts of my deceased spouse?

Can I be personally responsible for paying my deceased relative's debts and can a debt collector contact me about those debts?

If someone dies owing a debt, does the debt go away when they die?

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?

Can a debt collection agency try to have me arrested over a debt collection?

What is credit counseling?

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?

Can a debt collector try to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy?

Can a debt collector garnish my federal benefits?

Is there a limit to how many times a debt collector can call me?

What happens if I default on a federal student loan?

What is an original creditor and what is the difference between an original creditor and a debt collector?

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

What is harassment by a debt collector?

What are debt settlement/debt relief services and should I use them?

How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?

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

Should I share my personal information, including birth date and Social Security number, with a debt collector?

Can debt collectors call me anytime they want, day or night?