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What to do When You Get Debt Collector Text Messages
by
JG Wentworth
•
February 6, 2025
•
4 min
The ping of a text message from an unknown number claiming to be a debt collector can be unsettling. While debt collection through text messages is legal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), there are strict rules collectors must follow – and specific steps you should take to protect yourself.
Understanding your rights
Text message debt collection is regulated by both the FDCPA and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Under these laws, debt collectors must:
- Identify themselves as debt collectors in their first message.
- Include a clear opt-out method for future text messages.
- Not contact you at inconvenient times (before 8 AM or after 9 PM).
- Not harass you or send repeated messages.
- Not disclose your debt to third parties.
- Provide written validation of the debt within five days of initial contact.
What to do when you receive collection texts
Some productive suggestions to take into consideration include:
1. Request debt validation
Before acknowledging the debt or making any payments:
- Send a written debt validation request within 30 days of their first contact.
- Ask for detailed information about the debt, including:
- The original creditor’s name
- The amount owed
- When the debt was incurred
- Documentation proving you owe the debt
2. Verify the collector’s legitimacy
Scammers often pose as debt collectors. Protect yourself by:
- Looking up the collection agency’s name and phone number.
- Checking if they’re licensed in your state.
- Never clicking links in text messages.
- Not providing personal or financial information via text.
- Contacting your original creditor to confirm the debt was sold or assigned.
3. Keep detailed records
Documentation is crucial. Maintain:
- Screenshots of all text messages.
- Copies of any written correspondence.
- Notes from phone conversations.
- Records of payments or payment arrangements.
- Timestamps of when messages were received.
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What not to do
Avoid these common missteps when dealing with collector texts:1. Don’t immediately respond
Your first instinct might be to reply, especially if you’re worried about the debt. However, take a moment to:- Screenshot the message and save it.
- Document the date, time, and phone number.
- Verify that the message complies with legal requirements.
- Consider whether you recognize the debt.
2. Don’t ignore the messages
While it’s tempting to delete and forget about collection texts, ignoring them can lead to:- Continued collection attempts.
- Potential lawsuits.
- Damage to your credit score.
- Increased stress and anxiety.
3. Don’t make these common mistakes
Avoid these critical errors:- Making a payment without verifying the debt and collector.
- Providing bank account or credit card information via text.
- Agreeing to payment terms you can’t afford.
- Making promises to pay without a written agreement.
- Admitting the debt is yours before verification.
4. Don’t fall for pressure tactics
Some collectors use aggressive techniques. Never:- Rush into decisions because of threats or urgency.
- Believe claims about immediate legal action.
- Accept responsibility for a debt you’re unsure about.
- Allow yourself to be intimidated into payment.
Taking control of the situation
Take these proactive steps to help mitigate the situation and move forward:If the debt is valid:
Consider your options:- Payment in full
- Negotiated settlement
- Payment plan
- Debt consolidation
- Bankruptcy (as a last resort)
- Payment agreements
- Settlement terms
- Promises to remove negative credit reports
- Confirmation of paid or settled debts
If the debt is not valid:
- Dispute the debt in writing
- Send a cease and desist letter
- File complaints with:
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Your state’s attorney general
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The bottom line
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, but understanding your rights and following these guidelines can help you maintain control of the situation. Remember that you have legal protections, and collectors must operate within specific boundaries. Stay calm, document everything, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. The key is to approach the situation methodically and protect your rights while working toward a resolution that fits your financial situation. Whether the debt is valid or not, you have options – and you don’t have to face debt collectors alone.There’s always JG Wentworth…
If you have $10,000 or more in unsecured debt there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for the JG Wentworth Debt Relief Program.* Some of our program perks include:- One monthly program payment
- We negotiate on your behalf
- Average debt resolution in as little as 48-60 months
- We only get paid when we settle your debt
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Recommended reading for you
* Program length varies depending on individual situation. Programs are between 24 and 60 months in length. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 43% before our 25% program fee. This is a Debt resolution program provided by JGW Debt Settlement, LLC (“JGW” of “Us”)). JGW offers this program in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, NY, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, DC, and WI. If a consumer residing in CT, GA, HI, IL, KS, ME, NH, NJ, OH, RI, SC and VT contacts Us we may connect them with a law firm that provides debt resolution services in their state. JGW is licensed/registered to provide debt resolution services in states where licensing/registration is required.
Debt resolution program results will vary by individual situation. As such, debt resolution services are not appropriate for everyone. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all individuals who enroll complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Savings resulting from successful negotiations may result in tax consequences, please consult with a tax professional regarding these consequences. The use of the debt settlement services and the failure to make payments to creditors: (1) Will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness (credit rating/credit score) and make it harder to obtain credit; (2) May result in your being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money you owe due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Failure to pay your monthly bills in a timely manner will result in increased balances and will harm your credit rating. Not all creditors will agree to reduce principal balance, and they may pursue collection, including lawsuits. JGW’s fees are calculated based on a percentage of the debt enrolled in the program. Read and understand the program agreement prior to enrollment.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Such information or materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied on in that respect. We suggest that you consult an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to answer any financial or legal questions.