Debt Collectors and Consumer Rights

Your rights as a consumer protect you from aggressive debt collectors and unfair or deceptive practices.

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Debt Collectors and Consumer Rights

All consumers have certain rights, even if they're in debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other laws, you can fight unfair or misleading practices by creditors, debt collectors and others.

This page is your hub for learning about your consumer rights.

Understanding Your Credit Score (After Debt or Bankruptcy)

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated July 1, 2025

A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects how you’ve used credit in the past, based on the data in your credit report. It's calculated using factors like your payment history, credit usage, account age, and recent credit activity. Credit scores can drop after missed payments or bankruptcy, but they’re not permanent. By understanding how scores work and taking small steps — like making on-time payments, lowering balances, and reviewing your credit reports — you can start rebuilding with a clear path forward.

Written by Attorney Karra Kingston. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 14, 2026

Yes, debt collectors can take you to court for unpaid debt. But this won’t be their first move. Debt collection agencies will first call you and send notices in the mail to try to collect on unpaid debt. It’s common for debt collectors to make several attempts over a period of many months to collect a debt before they decide to sue you.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 5, 2026

Foreclosure is the legal process that allows lenders to take ownership of a home when a borrower falls behind on mortgage payments. The process varies by state but is either judicial (requiring court approval) or nonjudicial (allowing lenders to proceed without a lawsuit). Foreclosure can damage your credit, lead to eviction, and leave you responsible for any remaining debt if the home sells for less than what you owe. However, homeowners have rights, including receiving proper notice and staying in the home until foreclosure is finalized. Options like loan modifications, repayment plans, or even filing bankruptcy may help stop or delay foreclosure. This comprehensive guide explains how foreclosure works, what rights homeowners have, and the options available to prevent or navigate the process.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 7, 2025

Car repossession happens when a lender takes back a vehicle after missed loan payments. In many states, they can do this without warning or a court order. The lender will usually sell the car, and if the sale price doesn’t cover what you owe, you may still have to pay the difference. You have rights during repossession, including the ability to retrieve personal belongings and protections against wrongful actions. If you're at risk, options like negotiating with your lender, refinancing, or filing for bankruptcy may help you keep your car.

Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 26, 2025

When you’re trying to figure out the best debt relief option, first consider how much debt you have, whether you want to call in outside help or support, how quickly you’re hoping to repay the debt, and how important your credit score is to you right now. You have several debt-relief strategies available to you, and each has its pros and cons.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated September 26, 2025

Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy is possible — and many people do it successfully with the right approach. Bankruptcy gives you a financial reset, and by taking steps like using secured credit cards, paying bills on time, and monitoring your credit reports, you can start improving your score within months. It’s also important to avoid common mistakes, like opening too many new accounts or relying too much on credit in emergencies. With consistent habits and a clear plan, you can rebuild your credit and lay the foundation for long-term financial health.

Written by Ben Jackson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 11, 2026

If you receive a summons and complaint from a debt collector or creditor, it means you’re being sued for unpaid debt. It’s important to respond to (or answer) the lawsuit. You do this by filing official paperwork with the court. Be sure to address every point in the complaint, raise any defenses you have, and file the paperwork within the time frame provided. Debt collectors are counting on you not to answer the lawsuit so that they can win by default. Don’t be intimidated! Take control and learn how to file an answer by reading this guide. You do not need an attorney to answer a debt collection lawsuit successfully.

Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated September 29, 2025

Your credit report has a lot of power over your daily life — whether that's when you're buying a new car or applying for an apartment. In addition to using credit responsibly, keeping an eye on your credit report is one of the most valuable things you can do to make sure your financial house is as stable as possible. There are three ways to request a copy of your free credit report.

Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 10, 2024

Credit counseling is a great starting point for people who need help figuring out the best way to deal with their debt. Nonprofit credit counselors review your income and debt and help you develop a personalized plan to repay your debts. They’ll go over several potential debt relief solutions, including budgeting, starting a debt management plan, consolidating your debt, or filing bankruptcy.

Written by Attorney Amelia Niemi. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 10, 2024

Yes, you may still owe money after your car is repossessed. If the lender repossesses your car and sells it at auction for less than the amount you owe on your loan, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining amount, called a deficiency balance. This can include additional fees like towing, storage, and auction costs. While repossession doesn’t erase your debt, options like negotiating with your lender or filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you manage or eliminate the remaining balance.

Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated March 11, 2026

Yes, a credit card company can sue you if you stop paying your bills. Typically, credit card companies will contact you several times before escalating the matter to legal action or charging off the debt to a debt collection agency. Though there’s no set timeline, you can expect legal action after six months of nonpayment. While there are no guarantees, you’re less likely to be sued if you owe less than $2,000.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated January 24, 2025

If your car is repossessed with your personal belongings inside, you have the legal right to retrieve your items. Repo companies cannot keep or sell your personal property, and they generally can’t charge you a fee to collect your belongings unless you delay for an extended period. After repossession, the lender will send you a notice with details on how to retrieve your car and personal items.

Written by Attorney Serena Siew. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026

Repossession fees are what creditors pay to repossess your car. Towing, storage, and auction fees are common examples. If you’re delinquent on your car loan and your car is repossessed, those fees are passed on to you. Keep reading to find out more about repossession and what repossession fees mean for you.

Written by Attorney Thomas J. Pearson. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 13, 2024

Repossession happens when a lender takes back a car because the borrower has fallen behind on payments. Repo agents use personal details, social media, and tools like GPS trackers and license plate scanners to find vehicles. They can legally repossess cars from public spaces but cannot enter locked or gated private property. After repossession, the lender typically sells the car, and you may still owe a deficiency balance if the sale doesn’t cover the remaining loan and fees.

Written by Mae Koppes. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 12, 2026

If a creditor or debt collector sues you for an unpaid debt and they win, they may be able to get a court order for a bank levy. This allows them to take funds you owe directly from your bank account. Most creditors will have to jump through some legal hoops to do this, but some government agencies can levy your bank account without first getting a court order.

Written by Attorney Todd Carney. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 11, 2026

A bank levy is a legal move that allows creditors to collect an unpaid debt by taking money directly from a borrower’s bank account. Creditors can continue to take money from your account until your debt is paid off. While your account can be levied more than once, you have options and rights., This article will educate you on how to be prepared for a levy and what your rights are.

Written by Attorney Tina Tran. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 11, 2026

If Midland Funding is contacting you, they’re probably attempting to collect a debt. Before you do anything else, determine if the debt is valid. If it is but you can’t afford to pay it in full, you can try to negotiate a debt settlement. If Midland files a lawsuit against you, read the details thoroughly and respond quickly. Use this article as your guide to take on Midland Funding successfully.

Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026

Are you receiving repeated phone calls and voicemails from 800-955-6600? This number belongs to Northland Group, a debt collection agency usually working on behalf of Capital One. They're probably calling about an unpaid debt. If Northland Group contacts you, it's best not to ignore the calls, but you don't need to panic either. This guide will walk you through how to verify the debt, stop the calls, and resolve the situation in a way that protects your rights and financial health.