Debt collector called, panicked and hung up phone

Check credit report and if there's nothing on it, it doesn't concern you? Idk?

Perfectly normal reaction to hang up when you don't even remember having any debt (and did not receive any letters or anything).

You should get your official credit report from annualcreditreport.com

If you owe anything, such debt will appear on this report.

According to the Fair Debt Practices Act, the debt collector must send you a debt validation letter by mail 5 days after contacting you.

https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text#809

If not, you need to send a debt validation letter. You have 30 days to do so. Certified mail

http://credit.about.com/od/debtcollection/qt/validationltr.htm

http://credit.about.com/od/debtcollection/qt/debtvalidation.htm

Debt collectors work on ignorance, guilt, and fear. Be firm in your response. Don't admit you owe the debt.

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You may find these links helpful:

• What's the best way to pay down my debt?
• Dealing with collections
• Credit repair

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Hey PF,

Yesterday a debt collector called and was quickly asking to confirm my address after barely giving his name. I asked him who he was calling on behalf and he said some debt collection service. At this point the conversation was moving extra fast and I was caught off guard because I typically keep a tight tab over all my expenses. I didn't write down his name or company, although I do have the number he called from in my call history. I asked him what the debt was about and he said something about Ebay for a couple hundred bucks. I've never bought or sold anything through ebay although I believe I have a personal account (can't recall, extra old account). I said I think there is a mistake I don't believe that is my debt. He was rather strong willed and continued to just keep asking questions which just left me flustered. After denying the debt and saying it was a mistake I panicked and hung up the phone. I remember an ebay person calling a few months back about something similar I believe and I thought whatever was the problem then was resolved. I just checked my credit score online from a free service my bank offers and nothing looks suspicious, but I'm left with a fury of questions I hope you all can provide some clarity on.

1. Should I call the credit places and pay for the lockdown/monitoring service I've read about on PF?

2. Who do I call back? Who would I even ask for? Do I try and contact ebay first? do I try that number on my phone?

3. If and when I speak to the collector (I assume I'll have to) do I just deny/say it's a mistake and ask for proof? What else do I need to ask about/do while on the phone with the collection service?

If there was anything I missed that is very very key in this kind of situation please let me know as this is my first time dealing with this and I'm always very wary of giving out personal information. If it helps I'm 24 and live in California.

TL;DR - Debt collector called and I panicked and ended the call. After searching online a bit, I need more direction on what steps to take next to get this situation resolved.

^(I am a bot. Contact) ^pentium4borg ^(with any feedback.)

When you search the phone number they called from, does it lead you to a debt collection company?