How I Turned Debt Collection Letters Into Mailbox Money + 5 FDCPA Violations You Should Look For.

Pro Se Tempestt | September 16 , 2025

Mailbox Money: Why Debt Collection Letters Don’t Scare Me Anymore

Most people panic when they see a letter from a debt collector—especially if it’s from a law firm. I used to be the same way. The dread, the stress, that urge to just ignore the problem or settle as quick as possible.
But yesterday, I got one of those letters, and let me tell you—my reaction was the complete opposite. I was excited. Why? Because I’ve learned how to flip the script. Now, when I get a collection letter, I don’t see a threat. I see an opportunity. That’s what I call mailbox money.

How Did I Get Here?

A year or two ago, I would have been stressed and confused, just like everybody else. But I took the time to learn my rights, and more importantly, how to file lawsuits when debt collectors cross the line. I connected with the right mentor and learned the process—from understanding the law to handling my own case in federal court or arbitration.

Now, instead of feeling powerless, I feel empowered. I know what to look for. I know what violations to spot. And I know how to turn those violations into real cash.

Why Most People Panic (And Why You Don’t Have To)

Let’s keep it real. Most folks get a debt collection letter like this and:

• Panic and freeze

• Rush to settle out of fear

• Ignore it and hope it goes away

But you don’t have to move like that. You just need to know your rights and what to look for.

Why You Need to Learn Pro Se Litigation

This is why I’m so passionate about teaching folks how to advocate for themselves. When you know your rights and understand the process, you don’t have to be afraid. You don’t have to spend thousands on a lawyer, either. You just have to be willing to learn and take action.

I’m not special—anybody can learn this. You just need the right information and a little bit of courage.

5 FDCPA Violations You Can Spot in a Debt Collection Letter

Let me break down five things I look for every single time I open a collection letter. If you spot one of these, you could have a real case on your hands:

1. Missing Mini-Miranda Warning
   Every collection letter must say, “This is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.” If it’s not there, that’s a violation. This also applies to text messages and emails. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(11) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692e

2. No Creditor Name Listed
   They have to tell you who the current creditor is. If you don’t see a name or it’s confusing, that’s another violation. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a)(2) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692e

3. Threats They Can’t Make
   If they threaten legal action, wage garnishment, or anything else they aren’t legally allowed to do or don’t plan to do, that’s against the FDCPA. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(5) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692e

4. Wrong Amount or Extra Fees
   If they list an amount you know isn’t right, or tack on random fees or interest you never agreed to, that’s a violation too. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692f(1) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692f

5. No Notice of Your Right to Dispute
   They must let you know that you have the right to dispute the debt within 30 days, in writing. If they leave this out, or try to hide it, it’s another violation. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a)(3)-(5) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692g

Bonus:
If you already sent a cease and desist and they send you another letter anyway, that’s another clear violation. Statute: 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692c

The Bottom Line: Learn How to Flip the Script

I get excited when I check my mail now, because I know how to protect myself. Collection letters don’t scare me—they pay me. But it’s only because I took the time to learn my rights and the process of pro se litigation.

If you’re tired of being scared and ready to flip the script for yourself, you need to learn how this works.

Ready to Flip the Script?

If you’re tired of feeling powerless every time you get one of those scary letters, I want to invite you to my free masterclass on how to spot violations and build a case against the debt collectors

—even if you’ve never done it before.
Join me live on September 22 at 7 p.m. Central on Zoom.
Come learn how to turn fear into mailbox money, ask your questions, and see why I get excited about those collection letters now.

Click here to register for the free masterclass.