Debt collector threatening arrest?

You cannot be arrested for owing a consumer debt — so an arrest threat means a scam or an illegal collector. Paste the message for a read.

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Why it's a red flag

No legitimate collector threatens jail or police over a consumer debt; it violates the FDCPA. Scammers use the fear to rush you into paying by gift card or wire.

What to do

Don't pay out of fear. Demand written validation, document the threat, and report it to the CFPB and your state attorney general.

FAQ

Can you go to jail for not paying a debt?

No — there's no debtors' prison for consumer debts. Anyone threatening arrest over a debt is scamming you or breaking the law. Report it.