Even if you’re doing everything you can, handling debt collection calls can be stressful. In Arizona, you have some rights on how (and when) a third-party debt collector can contact you, what they can say, and what you can demand in writing. When this happens, do not try to win a dispute over the phone. The idea is to determine if the call is authentic. Once you gain control of the conversation, you can prevent yourself from being pressured into making a bad decision.

First, know who you’re dealing with (because not everyone calling is a “debt collector”).

Many people use “debt collector” as a catch-all, but the rules can change depending on who’s calling. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) primarily covers third-party debt collectors collecting personal/household debts (not business debts). Arizona regulates these “collection agencies” through state law (Title 32, Chapter 9). Arizona defines a “collection agency” broadly and requires licensing for many collection activities in the state.

DO’s (What You Should Do)

Ask for Written Debt Validation 

If this is the first time you’re hearing about the debt, your best move is usually to request validation. Avoid getting pulled into a “pay right now” trap. A written debt validation must allow you a 30-day dispute window. 

Under federal law, after the initial communication, a debt collector must send you a written notice with key information (amount, creditor, dispute rights). Until validation is sent, the collector must pause collection activity (except to provide validation).

What you can say: 

“Please send me the written validation notice. I’m not discussing payment until I receive it and review it.”

For example, you get a call saying you owe $1,842 for an old medical bill. You’re tempted to pay just to stop the stress. But once you ask for validation, you may discover (a) it’s the wrong person, (b) the amount is inflated, or (c) the debt is already paid/covered. Even when a debt is real, validation forces the conversation onto paper, where you can think clearly.

Moreover, you must verify before paying because old, sold, or inaccurate debts are common.

Another example: a collector claims you owe $4,800 on a credit card you closed in 2014. Validation reveals the balance is $2,100 and outside the lawsuit window.

Document Every Call

Keep a simple call log (it’s your leverage if things get abusive). You don’t need a fancy system. A notes app works. The FDCPA is designed to stop abusive/deceptive practices. If you ever need to talk to a lawyer, your notes will be useful. Detailed call logs strengthen complaints filed with the Arizona Attorney General and federal regulators.

What to record: 

• date/time
• phone number
• collector’s name
• company
• exact statements (any threats or odd claims) 

Sample log entry:

Jan 10, 2:15 PM: ‘John’ from ABC Collections threatened wage garnishment without a judgment.

Control How and When You Are Contacted

Set boundaries about when and where they can call. The FDCPA bars a debt collector from contacting you at “unusual” or inconvenient times. By default, they must assume that before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (your local time) is inconvenient. Moreover, you may demand no calls at work if your employer disallows them.

If they’re calling at bad times, you can say:

• “Do not call me at work.”
• “Only call me between 6 and 7 p.m.”
• “This time is inconvenient. Use mail or email instead.”

You may also do this in writing for recording purposes. 

Send a Written “Cease Communication” or “Mail-Only” Letter

Stop calls when you’re ready to cease communication. If you’re done with phone contact, the FDCPA allows you to send a written request to stop communications. After the collector receives it, they can generally only contact you to confirm they’ll stop or to tell you about specific actions (like filing a lawsuit). 

For example, you could say, “I am requesting that you cease all communication with me about this debt. All future contact must be in writing only.” 

Keep a copy. Send it in a way you can prove they received it.

Check the Arizona Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for written contracts (including most credit cards) is 6 years, and 3 years for oral contracts.

Therefore, if your last payment was in 2017, a 2025 lawsuit on a credit card debt may be time-barred, even though collectors can still ask you to pay.

Know Where to Escalate Complaints 

When the behavior crosses the line, or the collector is breaking the rules, you can complain to:

• CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is the complaint portal) 
• Arizona DIFI (financial institutions/enterprises complaints and general complaint guidance) 
• Arizona Attorney General (consumer complaints) for deceptive/unfair practices 

You don’t have to prove the whole case to submit a complaint. Your call log, any voicemails, and letters are enough to tell your story. 

DON’Ts (What to Avoid)

Do NOT Admit the Debt or Promise to Pay

Even if you think it’s yours, don’t let panic talk you into “Okay, I’ll pay $50 today” or “I’ll send something next month.” Get the details in writing first. Do not start making payments or agreeing to terms or payment plans. Doing so may accidentally weaken your negotiating position or lock you into something you can’t afford. Any type of payment or clear admission can restart the statute of limitations. 

Do NOT Give Sensitive Personal Information

A common scam move is to get you to confirm your full date of birth, Social Security number, or bank details “for verification.” You can verify them first. If they push hard for sensitive info early, that’s your cue to end the call and request everything in writing. Never give or confirm any information by phone. Let the caller send documentation by mail or email. 

Do NOT Record Calls unless you Understand Arizona’s Recording Rules

In Arizona, state law provides an exemption allowing interception/recording of a wire/electronic/oral communication. You can do this with the consent of a party to the communication (often described as “one-party consent”). 

That said, recording laws can get complicated when other states are involved, and companies may have policies. So if you’re unsure, just take notes and save voicemails.

Do NOT Accept Legal Threats at Face Value

Do not let them pressure you with “lawsuit tomorrow” talk without the details. The FDCPA prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading representations.  So if someone says, “Pay by 5 p.m. or we’ll garnish your wages tonight,” treat that as suspicious. Real legal actions usually come with paperwork, timelines, and court processes, and not vague threats over a phone call.

Examples of illegal conduct:

• Threatening arrest
• Threatening wage garnishment without a court judgment
• Claiming to be a lawyer when they are not

Do NOT Ignore Court Papers

If you were served with a lawsuit and failed to respond, the collector may obtain a default judgment, enabling wage garnishment or bank levies.

Therefore, this is the one “don’t” that you must remember the most. Phone harassment is one thing; being served a summons is another. If you receive court papers, take them seriously. Get legal help right away. Arizona courts provide consumer debt resources that can help you understand the process of handling debt collection calls and other legal info.