(In the U.S.): if you’re ever pursued for a debt, especially if you are taken to court over it, demand that they produce documentation verifying that you owe the debt and the amount. Quite often, they won’t be able to and the case will be dismissed. Most debt collectors aren’t the party you originally owed the money to but rather companies that purchase debts in bulk for pennies on the dollar. Very often, all they have on you is your name on a spreadsheet and they’re banking on the fact that you won’t contest it.
EDIT:
Yes, I got this from a recent episode of This American Life, although I’ve heard this before and I’m generally aware of the requirement to prove up a debt in order to obtain a court judgment. I’m not giving legal advice here though; I’m simply repeating the gist of the episode. The specific example they used took place in a courtroom when the debtor had actually been sued. I don’t know what effect this would have on a collection agency’s calls – they’re typically not the owner of the debt but a third party service, I believe, but I think if you request documentation you might be able to make some headway there as well. I don’t know if the type of debt matters – a couple of people asked about student debt, but I’d imagine that sort of thing remains well-documented when it changes hands. Point is, I’m not suggesting people use this as a loophole to weasel out of legitimate debts, but if someone is trying to hold you legally liable for something, you should request evidence.
