One thing to remember is that you do not have to t...

One thing to remember is that you do not have to talk to them. Tell them one time, do not call me again, anywhere or anytime. Get credit karma and dispute anything they put on your credit bureau. File complaints with the consumer financial protection bureau. Record all phone calls. Dispute the debt in writing. If they threaten you to sue you, ask them if they truly have that intent and are authorized to initiate a law suit, if they do, call a lawyer. Note: Unless they are an licensed attorney, they cannot sue you and have misinformed you (broke the law). Ask them if they are lawyers, do they have lawyers on staff? If so what is the bar number? If the debt collector raises their voice, talks about lawsuits, advises that you are breaking the law or they quote law to you as if they are telling you what will happen etc, file a complaint or call a lawyer. There are many ways to expose liability as the government has laws and agencies to protect you. If you inform them not to call you again, and they do. Call a lawyer. If they garnish your account, appeal the garnishment. You can retain a lawyer if you can afford or many courts will provide you the form to fill out to dispute the garnishment. Speak with legal aide. Also, filing bankruptcy is an option if dealing with a very large debt, filing puts a 90 day freeze on collection activity. These companies are powerless and are held to a high standard by the government, if they make one small mistake, call a lawyer.