Step 1: Make sure the debt is real.Step 2: Get proof.Step 3: Know your rights. Step 1: Make sure the debt is real. Step 2: Get proof. Step 3: Know your rights. Book traversal links for A debt collector called or contacted me about a debt that I didn't take out. ‹ Step 2: Request your credit report from the consumer reporting agency that did the credit check. Up Step 1: Make sure the debt is real. ›