If you don't want a debt collector to contact you again, write a letter to the debt collector saying so. We have sample letters that you can use to respond to a debt collector who is trying to collect a debt.
The CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule requires debt collectors to provide certain information when they first communicate with you, or shortly after, which is often in a letter called a validation notice. The notice includes information about the debt and the debt collector, as well as a “tear-off” form with checkboxes you can fill out to dispute or request more information about the debt. If the debt collector provides a way for you to submit the letter electronically, you can do that instead of sending a letter by mail.
After I tell the debt collector to stop contacting me, what can I expect?
Once a debt collector receives your letter requesting they stop contacting you, they’re not allowed to communicate with you again except to:
- Tell you there will be no further contact
- Advise you that they or the creditor may take other actions they’re legally allowed to take, such as filing a lawsuit against you
Keep in mind that it’s important that you respond to the debt collector in writing, even if they provide the validation information over the phone or through email. If you’re disputing the debt, it’s also important to do it immediately, even before you insist that they stop contacting you.
Stopping communication with a debt collector doesn’t make the debt go away. In fact, they may find alternative ways to collect it from you. For example, they can file a lawsuit against you or report negative information to a credit reporting company, although that won’t always happen.
If you believe you don’t owe the debt or it isn’t accurate, you can write to the debt collector to ask for their evidence. Once you notify the debt collector in writing that you dispute the debt, as long as it is within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, the debt collector must stop trying to collect the debt until they’ve provided you with verification in response to your dispute.
You may also have questions about whether they are collecting a debt that isn’t yours or trying to collect an improper amount, and you can consider consulting an attorney that specializes in these types of cases to learn more about your rights and options.
Learn more about what may happen if you ignore or avoid a debt collector.
Keep good records of your communications with a debt collector
If you’re being contacted by a debt collector, it’s important to keep a record of any letters, documents, or communications they send to you. Write down dates and times of conversations, along with notes about what you discussed. These records can help you if you’re disputing the debt, meeting with a lawyer, or going to court.
If you send the debt collector a letter, make a copy and send the original to the debt collector. It’s also generally a good idea to send the letter by certified mail. If you pay for a "return receipt," that gives you proof the debt collector received your letter. You may also send the letter electronically. Just be sure to keep a copy.
Also, be careful what you say to a debt collector because they keep records as well. They can track any information you provide, including personal information or if you apologize or admit to owing the debt. Those statements could be used against you.
What to do if a debt collector is violating the law
If the collector continues to contact you after receiving a written notice to stop or after you’ve told them you have a lawyer and have provided the lawyer’s contact information, they are likely violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney's fees and might also have to pay you damages.
Learn more about the laws that limit what a debt collector can say or do
If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.
Learn more about debt collection
FAQs
If you ask a debt collector to stop all contact – regardless of the communications channel – the collector must stop. Keep in mind, though, that you could still owe the debt. If you don't want a debt collector to contact you again, write a letter to the debt collector saying so.
How to get a debt collector to stop contacting you? ›
Mail a letter to the collection company and ask it to stop contacting you. Keep a copy for yourself. Consider sending the letter by certified mail and paying for a “return receipt.” That way, you'll have a record the collector got it.
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›
If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.
How to prevent collection agency from reporting to credit bureau? ›
You can try to negotiate with the collection agency to have the collection removed. You would pay a fee to the collection agency and they would stop reporting your collection; just make sure you have the agreement in writing.
How do I stop collection agency harassment? ›
File a Complaint With the FTC and the CFPB
If the debt collector continues to harass you, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by reporting the company online. You should also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How do you outsmart a debt collector? ›
You can outsmart debt collectors by following these tips:
- Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
- Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
- Write a cease and desist letter.
- Explain the debt is not legitimate.
- Review your credit reports.
- Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
Creditors can't call you more than seven times in 7 days or call you again about the debt within seven days of the last call. If the debt collector calls you more than once a day or keeps calling even when you talk to them on the phone, they are probably harassing you.
What not to say to debt collectors? ›
Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.
What is the loophole of debt collection? ›
Debt collectors lose the right in many states to sue consumers after three or more years. But there's a loophole: If the consumer makes a payment, even against his or her own will, that can be used to try to revive the life of the debt.
What is the 609 credit repair loophole? ›
A 609 Dispute Letter is often billed as a credit repair secret or legal loophole that forces the credit reporting agencies to remove certain negative information from your credit reports. And if you're willing, you can spend big bucks on templates for these magical dispute letters.
The 7-in-7 rule explained
Collectors are permitted to place a call to the consumer about a particular debt seven (7) times within a period of seven (7) consecutive days, so long as no contact is made with the consumer in any of the attempts.
What are 3 things that a debt collection agency Cannot do? ›
Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take.
What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›
Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.
How long before a debt becomes uncollectible? ›
Can I tell a collection agency to stop calling? ›
You have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. If you ask a debt collector to stop all contact – regardless of the communications channel – the collector must stop. Keep in mind, though, that you could still owe the debt.
Can you sue a debt collector for calling too much? ›
If you think a debt collector has violated the FDCPA, you can sue them for damages. If you prove a violation occurred, you may be awarded $1,000 in damages, plus additional compensation for any actual harm they caused. If you win, the collector may also be responsible for paying your lawyer fees and costs.
What happens if you ignore debt collector calls? ›
Ignoring or avoiding a debt collector, though, is unlikely to make the debt collector stop contacting you. They may find other ways to contact you, including filing a lawsuit. While being contacted by a debt collector might feel overwhelming, talking with them can help you get more information about the debt.
How do you scare debt collectors? ›
9 Ways to Turn the Tables on Debt Collectors
- Don't Wait for Them to Call. Consider picking up the phone and calling the debt collector yourself. ...
- Check Them Out. ...
- Dump it Back in Their Lap. ...
- Stick to Business. ...
- Show Them the Money. ...
- Ask to Speak to a Supervisor. ...
- Call Their Bluff. ...
- Tell Them to Take a Hike.
If you owe the debt, you may be able to work out a settlement or other resolution with the collector. Responding doesn't mean you're agreeing that you owe the debt or that it is valid. If you don't respond, the court could issue a judgment or court action against you, sometimes called a “default judgment.”
