What should I actually do when a debt collector starts calling me?

Getting calls about an old credit card debt and I don't know what my rights are or what I'm supposed to say. What's the right first move?

First, don't ignore it, but don't panic into paying immediately either. In the US, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you real protections: collectors generally can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't call repeatedly to harass you, can't threaten you with things they can't legally do, and can't discuss your debt with other people (like your employer or family). Ask them to send written validation of the debt — the amount, the original creditor, and proof it's actually yours — before you agree to anything verbally. You also have the right to tell them in writing to stop contacting you (though that doesn't erase the debt, it just stops the calls). Keep records of every call and letter. If a debt sounds unfamiliar or the amount seems off, you're allowed to dispute it in writing within 30 days of first being contacted, which pauses collection until they verify it.