When a debt collector contacts you, follow these steps to verify the debt: First, don't acknowledge the debt or provide any ...

But does a $5,000 debt really warrant a lawsuit? While $5,000 is a significant amount, it's not always a guaranteed lawsuit.

If you have past-due debt that you’re struggling to pay off, you may be able to negotiate with the debt collector to reduce the amount. Depending on your situation and financial priorities, this can ...