Debt collector calling in Maine: what to do

Don't pay, and don't give bank or card details, on the first call. Ask for the collector's name, company, mailing address and the amount they say you owe.

Why: Some callers are scammers. A real collector must send you written information about the debt.

Start a call log: date, time, who called, what was said.

Why: Federal rules presume a collector is breaking the law if it calls you more than 7 times in 7 days about a debt, or within 7 days after a phone conversation with you about it.

Tell the collector which times and ways of contact are inconvenient (for example, at work).

Why: Collectors can't contact you at times or places they know are inconvenient, or at work if they know your employer doesn't allow it.

If you answered “Yes” to “Has the collector threatened arrest, violence, or told your employer or family about the debt?”

If you feel unsafe or are threatened with violence, call 911.

Why: Threats of violence are illegal and are a police matter.

If you answered “Yes” to “Did you get a letter from the collector that lists the amount and the original creditor (a validation notice)?”

Read the validation notice. It shows the amount, the creditor, and the date by which you can dispute.

Why: Disputing in writing inside that window means the collector must stop collecting until it sends you verification.

If you answered “No” to “Did you get a letter from the collector that lists the amount and the original creditor (a validation notice)?”

If you haven't received a validation notice, ask the collector in writing to send one, and note the date the collector first contacted you.

Why: A collector must send it within 5 days after first contacting you, unless the first message already had that information.

If you answered “No, or the amount looks wrong / Not sure” to “Do you recognize the debt?”

If the debt isn't yours or the amount is wrong, send a written dispute (letter below) before the date on the notice. Keep a copy and proof of mailing.

Why: A written dispute within the validation period triggers your right to verification under the FDCPA.

If you answered “Not sure” to “Do you recognize the debt?”

If you don't recognize the debt at all, check your credit reports for accounts you didn't open.

Why: An unknown debt can be a sign of identity theft.

If you want contact to stop, send a written 'stop contacting me' letter (letter below).

Why: After it gets your letter, a collector generally may only contact you to say it is stopping or that it may take a specific action, like suing. The debt doesn't go away.

If you answered “Yes / Not sure” to “Is the debt more than 3 years old (since your last payment)?”

Check how old the debt is. Look up your state's time limit to sue in the old-debt plan.

Why: Collectors can't sue or threaten to sue on a debt that is too old.

If you answered “Yes, it's mine” to “Do you recognize the debt?”

If the debt is yours, you can offer a payment plan or a lump-sum settlement. Get any deal in writing before you pay.

Why: A written agreement protects you if the account is sold again.

File a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general if the collector keeps calling, threatens you, or tells others about your debt.

Why: Regulators track complaints and may act; the company must respond to CFPB complaints.

If you get court papers, don't ignore them. See the sued-by-debt-collector plan.

Why: Missing the court deadline usually means the collector wins by default.