Before a collection case

Two dollar bills and three coins

Money & Debt

A woman sits on a coach looking pensive.
Before a collection case

Bills become debts when they are not paid on time. The person or business owed money is called a creditor.

The first step in the debt collection process is a demand for payment. The creditor may contact the debtor directly, or hire a debt collector to collect the debt.

Laws limit how and when creditors and debt collectors can try to collect a debt.

Responding to debt collectors
An overview of how to respond to debt collectors and your rights when dealing with them.
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Debt collector letter
This Easy Form makes a letter to a debt collector. You can ask them for proof that you owe the debt, say you don’t owe the debt, or ask them to stop or limit contact. The letter can also explain if you are protected from collection under federal or Illinois law.
Easy Form
Negotiating with a debt collector or debt buyer
Important information about your options when negotiating a consumer debt, both before and after a lawsuit has been filed against you.
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