How to File a CFPB Complaint Against a Debt Collector (and What Happens Next)

Short answer: To file a CFPB complaint about a debt collector, go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint, pick "Debt collection," describe the problem in your own words, attach your letters or statements, and name the collector. The CFPB says it usually takes less than 10 minutes online, or you can call (855) 411-2372 on weekdays [1]. The CFPB sends your complaint to the company, and companies generally respond within 15 days [1].

DebtHaus is not a law firm. This page explains the CFPB's published process in general terms and isn't legal advice for your situation.

Can you file a CFPB complaint about a debt collector?

Yes. Debt collection is one of the product types the CFPB currently accepts complaints about, along with credit reports, credit cards, student loans, payday and personal loans, and debt or credit management [2]. You don't need a lawyer, and filing is free.

One exception to know first: if your complaint is about wrong information on a credit report, the law requires you to dispute it directly with the credit bureau before you complain [2]. The CFPB cites 15 U.S.C. 1681i for this [3].

What should you have ready before you start?

Gather these before you open the form. The CFPB says you generally can't submit a second complaint about the same problem, so it pays to get the first one right [2].

• The collector's name and contact details. Take them from the letter, voicemail or text. If the company isn't in the CFPB's list, you'll be asked for its full contact information [2].
• The key dates and amounts. When the collector first contacted you, what it says you owe, and any payments you made.
• Copies of documents. Collection letters, your validation notice, any dispute letter you sent, account statements. You can attach up to 50 pages [2].
• Your own contact details. You'll need your name, email, phone number and mailing address. The CFPB says the company can't respond without your address [2].
• Written authorization, if you're filing for someone else. Companies generally need signed permission from their customer before they'll respond to you [2].

How do you file, step by step?

1. Try the collector first if it's safe to. The CFPB suggests contacting the company before filing, since it can often answer account-specific questions [2]. If you think the debt isn't yours, a written debt validation request is usually the first move.
2. Open the complaint form at consumerfinance.gov/complaint and create your secure account.
3. Choose "Debt collection" as the product, then the issue that fits best. These are the same issue labels you'll see in the public database, such as "Attempts to collect debt not owed" or "Written notification about debt" [4].
4. Describe what happened. Keep it clear and short: the most important dates, amounts and conversations, in order [2].
5. Attach your documents and pick the company from the list.
6. Submit and save your complaint number. You'll get email updates and can check status online [1].

Prefer the phone? The CFPB takes complaints at (855) 411-2372 (TTY/TTD (855) 729-2372), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday except federal holidays. It estimates 25 to 30 minutes by phone versus 7 to 10 online [1].

What happens after you file a CFPB complaint?

The CFPB lays out five stages [1]:

The CFPB also shares complaint data with state and federal agencies and uses it in its supervision and enforcement work [4].

Do CFPB complaints about debt collectors work?

They get a response almost every time, but most don't end with money back. Here's what the CFPB's own database shows for debt collection complaints received from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026 [5]:

The most common issue was "Attempts to collect debt not owed," in 140,587 complaints (43.3%), followed by "Took or threatened to take negative or legal action" at 79,873 [5].

Remember that complaints aren't verified by the CFPB, and counts aren't a rating of any company. You can look up the record for a specific collector on our debt collector pages.

Where else can you report a debt collector?

A CFPB complaint isn't your only option, and you can use more than one:

• Your state attorney general. Many states have debt collection laws of their own. California's AG, for example, takes complaints about debt collectors and also points people to the FTC and CFPB [6].
• The Federal Trade Commission. The FTC enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and takes reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov [6].
• Court. The FDCPA lets you sue a collector that breaks it, but the lawsuit has to be brought within one year of the violation [7]. Our FDCPA guide explains what the law covers.

A complaint doesn't pause a lawsuit. If a collector sues you, respond to the court papers by the deadline. The CFPB explains what to do if you're sued [8].

Sources

1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Learn how the complaint process works
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Submit a complaint about a financial product or service
3. Legal Information Institute. 15 U.S. Code § 1681i: Procedure in case of disputed accuracy
4. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How we share complaint data
5. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Consumer Complaint Database: debt collection, Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026
6. State of California Department of Justice. Debt Collectors
7. Legal Information Institute. 15 U.S. Code § 1692k: Civil liability
8. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What should I do if I'm sued by a debt collector or creditor?

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