Debt collection know your rights

A few days after my relative’s obituary appeared in the papers, I got a call from someone who said they were a debt collector and that my relative had owed money. They are telling me I have to pay and asking me for my bank account information so they can withdraw the funds. How do I know if this is a scam? What can I do?

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?

Can a debt collector contact me about a debt after a divorce?

Can a debt collector contact me through social media?

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

Can a debt collector take my federal benefits, like Social Security or VA payments?

Can debt collectors collect a debt that’s several years old?

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

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

How do I get a debt collector to stop calling or contacting me?

I'm a servicemember and I'm being contacted by a debt collector about a debt. What are my rights and where can I get help?

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?

I'm in the military. Can a debt collector have my security clearance revoked if I fall behind on paying my debt?

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

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

What is harassment by a debt collector?

What laws limit what debt collectors can say or do?

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

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