Your credit reports are the first place you should look for your debts, so be sure to get your free annual credit reports. Most loan accounts (such as credit cards, auto loans, student loans) are reported to the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

How do I find out all my creditors?

The first stop in determining what debts you owe should be to get your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Creditors generally report debt accounts to one or more credit bureau, which then add it to the credit report they maintain.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?

You may tell the collector not to contact you until you receive proof of the debt. If you decide to do this, you must do it in writing. Once you dispute the debt in writing, the collector must stop trying to collect money from you until you receive written proof that you really owe the debt from the collector.

What’s the best way to contact a creditor?

You can prepare a summary of your conversation with the creditor and mail or fax it to his representative. If the creditor doesn’t honor the agreement, contact the representative by mail and find out the reason and how you can rectify the situation. A copy of the agreement will help speed up the discussion.

Can a debt collector contact a third party?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act allows debt collectors to contact certain third parties, including employers, only to get contact and location information about you. This means that debt collectors can contact your employer to confirm your employment.

Can a creditor pursue an out of date debt?

The reality is that the debt still exists. The creditor can still contact you and they are entitled to chase the outstanding debt, even if the debt has been statute barred, but they are unable to use legal proceedings to force you to pay. Creditors can pursue an unsecured debt if: