A call or letter from a debt collector can be frightening. This guide summarizes what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Texas State Law Library say to do first.
By the Exsura Team · October 17, 2026
This is general information, not legal advice. The Texas State Law Library notes that “The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.” For help with your own case, contact a legal aid organization or a lawyer. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides and forms.
The CFPB advises: “If a debt collector contacts you, use the opportunity to find out about the debt, which will help determine if they’re legitimate and if you really owe it.” A collector should give you the creditor’s name, the amount owed and how to dispute the debt. If they will not, the CFPB says the contact could be a scam.
The CFPB also warns: “Never give sensitive financial information to the caller, at least not until you’ve confirmed they’re legitimate.”
Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Texas State Law Library says “the collector must provide a written notice with information about the debt” within 5 days of first contact. The CFPB describes this as a validation notice. That law applies to third-party debt collectors, not to original creditors.
The CFPB says that once you receive validation information or a notice from the collector, you have “30 days to dispute all or part of the debt, if you don’t believe that you owe it.” If you receive a validation notice, it states when that period ends. The Texas State Law Library says a request must be made within 30 days of the first contact. The two sources count from different starting points, so check the end date on your validation notice.
The CFPB also says that in certain situations you only have 30 days after you are contacted to ask for certain information, and that even if more than 30 days pass, it is still a good idea to ask for what you need.
The CFPB says you may “send a written request to the debt collector to dispute the debt or receive more information.” It suggests sending it by certified mail and keeping a copy.
The CFPB says “You have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you.” It advises writing a letter, keeping a copy and considering certified mail with a return receipt. It is important to respond to the collector in writing.
After the collector gets your letter, it may only confirm there will be no further contact or tell you about other actions it can legally take. The Texas State Law Library says the collector must stop unless it is letting you know it will stop trying to collect, or it is taking specific legal action such as filing a lawsuit.
The CFPB adds that if you are disputing the debt, it is important to do that immediately, even before you insist that the collector stop contacting you.
Stopping contact does not erase the debt. The CFPB warns that a collector may still pursue other options, including a lawsuit.
The CFPB says “avoiding or ignoring their call usually won’t make them go away,” and that collectors may find other ways to collect, including filing a lawsuit. If you are ever served with a lawsuit, read our guide to deadlines when you are sued over a debt in Texas.
The CFPB says money you receive and direct deposit to your account or card from certain federal programs is protected, including Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, federal retirement and disability pay, and others it lists. There are exceptions: Social Security and SSDI can sometimes be garnished to pay certain government debts or child or spousal support, and if you receive benefits by paper check and deposit them yourself, the bank does not have to protect two months’ worth of benefits in the account. The CFPB also says a collector is permitted to garnish money in your account that is over two months’ worth of benefits, and that a collector must sue you and win a judgment before it can take Social Security or VA benefits. See the CFPB page, linked below, for the full list.
The Texas State Law Library says “Texas law allows you to sue a debt collector that violates Chapter 392 of the Texas Finance Code.” It also says the Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints about the collection practices of third-party debt collectors. The CFPB says you can submit a complaint with the CFPB. A lawyer or legal aid organization can tell you whether your situation qualifies.
The CFPB says that once you receive validation information or a notice, you have 30 days to dispute all or part of the debt if you do not believe you owe it. The Texas State Law Library says a request must be made within 30 days of the first contact. Check the end date on your validation notice.
The CFPB says that if you dispute in writing within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, the collector must stop trying to collect the debt until it has provided verification.
No. The CFPB warns that stopping contact does not erase the debt, and the collector may pursue other options such as a lawsuit.
You can submit a complaint with the CFPB. The Texas State Law Library also says the Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints about the collection practices of third-party debt collectors.
Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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