What to do if…
you receive a notice about a lien for a debt you do not recognise

What to do now

1. Save the notice and capture the key details.
   Keep the notice, envelope, emails, texts, and screenshots. Write down the filer or creditor name, the debt collector name if listed, the person or property named, any case number, recording number, parcel number, account number, dates, and the office or court where it says the lien was or will be filed.

2. Check whether the lien is real through official records.
   Use independent contact details for the relevant county recorder, register of deeds, clerk, land records office, tax office, or court. Ask whether there is a recorded lien, pending filing, lawsuit, or judgment matching the notice. Do not use a contact link from the notice until you have checked it independently.

3. Identify the type of lien and what it is based on.
   Look for whether it claims to be a judgment lien, tax lien, mechanics or contractor lien, HOA lien, or another type. If it refers to a lawsuit or judgment, check the official court docket for that case number. If it refers to property work, compare the claimant, property address, dates, and contract details with anything you recognise.

4. If a debt collector is involved, dispute the debt in writing.
   Ask for debt validation and state that you do not recognise the debt. Under federal debt collection rules, after you receive validation information you generally have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing, and a timely written dispute usually requires the collector to pause collection of the disputed debt until it responds with verification. Keep a copy of what you send and proof of delivery.

5. If a lawsuit, judgment, or court deadline appears, treat that separately.
   A debt-collector dispute does not automatically answer a lawsuit or undo a lien. If the official court record shows an active case, judgment, hearing, or deadline, contact the court clerk for the official process and seek local legal aid or a consumer attorney quickly.

6. Check your credit reports and dispute any wrong item.
   If the debt, judgment, or lien appears on your credit reports, dispute it with each credit bureau that shows the mistake and with the company that reported it. Say what is wrong, why it is wrong, and what you want corrected or removed. Send copies of supporting documents, not originals.

7. Use identity-theft protections if fraud is possible.
   If the notice may involve identity theft, place a free credit freeze with each major credit bureau. You can also place an initial fraud alert by contacting one major credit bureau, which should notify the others. If someone may have used your identity, make an identity theft report through the federal identity theft site and follow the recovery steps it gives you.

8. Keep communication controlled and documented.
   Tell the filer, collector, or company that you want communications in writing. Keep a simple log with dates, names, phone numbers, call-backs, and what was said. Save screenshots of official record searches and copies of all letters.

9. Escalate if pressure, false reporting, or non-response continues.
   If a collector will not validate the debt, keeps pressuring you after a timely written dispute, or inaccurate credit reporting continues, submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If there is a recorded lien or court case, use the official local process and get local legal help before deadlines pass.