A debt collector is contacting me in California
The rules that apply in California, from official sources.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
Federal law gives you the right to dispute a debt, to ask a debt collector to stop contacting you, and protection from being sued over debts that are too old. If you dispute in writing within 30 days of the validation notice, the collector must verify the debt before continuing.
Your rights in plain language
Dispute the debt
30 days from receiving the debt collector's validation notice
Verified source: 15 U.S.C. § 1692g — Validation of debts(opens in a new tab)
Ask them to stop
15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c). If you tell a debt collector in writing that you refuse to pay or want it to stop contacting you, it must stop, with limited exceptions.
Verified source: 15 U.S.C. § 1692c — Communication in connection with debt collection(opens in a new tab)
Old debts
12 CFR § 1006.26(b). A debt collector must not sue, or threaten to sue, to collect a debt that is past the statute of limitations.
Verified source: 12 CFR § 1006.26 — Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)(opens in a new tab)4 years from the date the claim arose (written contracts)
Verified source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337 — Actions on written contracts(opens in a new tab)
State law
Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.17. California's Rosenthal Act requires debt collectors, including original creditors, to follow the federal debt collection rules.
Verified source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.17 — Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Deadline | Source |
|---|---|
| Dispute the debt in writing to make the collector verify it: 30 days (receiving the debt collector's validation notice) | |
| 4 years (the date the claim arose (written contracts)) |
The official process
Read the validation notice
It tells you the amount, the creditor and how to dispute.
Dispute in writing within 30 days
If you think the debt is wrong, say so in writing and ask for verification.
Keep records
Keep every letter and a log of calls.
Report problems
Complain to the CFPB or your state attorney general if the collector breaks the rules.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring court papers: they have strict deadlines.
- Making a payment on an old debt before checking your rights.
- Disputing only by phone.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalized results are free. If you want us to prepare a letter for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Will asking them to stop make the debt go away?
No. It stops most contact, but the collector or creditor may still take other legal steps, such as a lawsuit.
Which states can you prepare a letter for?
Right now: Florida, California, New York and Texas. For other states we show free information and people who can help.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: submit a complaintFederal complaints about credit cards, banks, lenders and debt collectors.
- LawHelp.orgPlain-language guides and legal aid directories, by state.
- Legal Services Corporation: find legal aidFree civil legal aid organizations in every state, for people on lower incomes.
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraudReport scams, fraud and bad business practices to the federal government.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- 15 U.S.C. § 1692g — Validation of debtsU.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · checked Oct 24, 2026
- 15 U.S.C. § 1692c — Communication in connection with debt collectionU.S. Government Publishing Office (GovInfo) · checked Oct 24, 2026
- 12 CFR § 1006.26 — Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337 — Actions on written contractsCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.17 — Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices ActCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
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