How to Get Debt Collectors to Stop Calling
American consumers filed 121,700 complaints against debt collectors with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2021. More than half of these complaints dealt with collectors trying to collect money people didn’t even owe. Learning how to stop debt collectors from calling can help you find relief from this common financial headache.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you vital protection against harassment from collection agencies. To name just one example, collectors can’t call you more than seven times in a week. But many people don’t know their legal rights about stopping collection calls or preventing collectors from contacting their family members. Quick action becomes necessary if you get a notice from a debt collector. This holds true even if the debt isn’t yours, as it helps prevent more collection attempts, damage to your credit score, or possible lawsuits.
This piece shows you practical and legal ways to stop creditors from calling and take back control of unwanted collector communication. On top of that, it walks you through what to do if debt collectors violate your rights and shows you how to make them stick to approved communication channels.
Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive debt collection tactics. This federal law establishes boundaries that third-party debt collectors must follow when they try to collect consumer debts.
What debt collectors are allowed and not allowed to do
Debt collectors must treat you with respect and honesty. The FDCPA strictly prohibits them from:
- Using threats of violence or harm to you, your reputation, or property
- Using obscene or profane language
- Publishing lists of people who refuse to pay debts
- Falsely representing the amount you owe or claiming to be government officials
- Calling repeatedly with intent to harass you
- Contacting you after you’ve requested in writing that they stop
Collectors must provide written details about your debt within five days of their first contact. These details include the amount you owe and your original creditor’s name.
When and how they can contact you
Collectors can’t reach out to you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. unless you agree. They also can’t call you more than seven times within a seven-day period.
Collectors may reach you through email, text messages, and private social media messages. They must identify themselves as debt collectors and give you simple ways to opt out of electronic communications.
How to stop debt collectors from calling you at work or home
You can control where collectors contact you. They can’t call you at work if they know your employer doesn’t allow such calls. Tell the collector over the phone and send a written request to stop workplace calls.
A written cease communication request will stop all contact. The collector can only reach out after that to confirm they’re stopping collection efforts or to tell you about specific legal actions.
Note that stopping communication doesn’t make the debt disappear. The collector might still use other legal methods to collect, such as reporting the debt to credit bureaus or filing a lawsuit.
Phone Numbers frequently used by debt collectors
These phone numbers are frequently used for debt collection calls in the United States.
+1 (833) 736-1366, 614-758-2350, 866-844-6366, 18003373612, 866 321 2197, 1-866-763-2906, 800.264.3613, 800-456-6622, +1 (855) 378-6229, +1 (866) 408-4070, 855-323-1871, +1 (480) 550-3297, 781, 855-234-1141, +1 (832) 220-4684, 8669710339, +1 (866) 602-5998, 18555522540, 5412503001, +1 (888) 710-6818, 18006950681, 8888955675, 18002799032, 8775787552, 1-888-598-3693, 866-496-8100, +1 (877) 469-6548, 866-321-2197, +1 (800) 752-8533, 614-758-2396, +1 (866) 595-2439, 5302314361, 6108136702, +1 (844) 301-8724, 8774696548, 1-800-337-3612, +1 (866) 767-9323, 866-602-5998, 9723851098, +1 (866) 430-0311, +1 (866) 677-2706, 8776898723, +1 (225) 214-3974, +1 (877) 575-8182, 844-936-6008, 415-659-9170, 8664636743, 18446631309, 9144993669, 8558666805, 1-781-694-9000, +1 (800) 695-0681, 800-762-0276, 8668092680, 18665730905, 780 966 0013, 18005237020, +1 (973) 721-6367, 7816949000, +1 (864) 752-1800, 8005081417, 3077548215, +1 (866) 584-1284, 800-225-5405, +1 (847) 257-8339, +1 (800) 618-2247, +1 (800) 988-8019, 5127197570, 281-940-3748, 8472578339, 763-219-8086, +1 (888) 895-5629, +1 (844) 709-3682, 8007265162, 800-882-9325, 866-873-5580, 8884804920, 6193543046, +1 (763) 219-8086, +1 (855) 277-6215, 8662488389, 8004566622, 7135591978, 855-933-8899, 8326324136, 1-888-575-9138, 8005328082, 18008994047, 8552833957, 6622861048, 18009909130
How to verify the debt before taking action
Debt verification serves as your primary defense when collection agencies contact you. Federal law gives you specific rights to demand proof before you respond to any collection attempts.
Ask for a written validation notice
Collection agencies must send you a validation notice within five days of their original contact. This document includes vital information about your alleged debt – the creditor’s name, amount owed, account number, and steps to dispute the claim. You should request this notice right away if you haven’t received it, preferably in writing rather than by phone. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires this notice, and collectors face penalties if they fail to provide it.
Check if the debt is time-barred
State laws limit how long collectors can pursue a debt, typically four years for written agreements. A time-barred debt means collectors can’t sue you legally, though they might still try to collect. You need to be careful – making even a small payment or acknowledging the debt can restart the time limit in many states. So, find out when the last payment was made and check your state’s specific time limits.
How to dispute a debt in writing
The law gives you 30 days after receiving the validation notice to dispute the debt in writing. Write a dated letter that explains why you’re disputing the debt. The collector must stop collection efforts until they provide proper verification once they receive your dispute. Make sure to send your letter through certified mail and request a return receipt as proof of delivery. This temporary pause lets you review your options carefully.
Avoid confirming or paying before verification
Don’t admit to owning a debt when collectors first contact you. You should also wait to make any payments until you’ve confirmed the debt is legitimate, accurate, and still legally collectible. This careful approach helps you avoid reviving old debts or paying someone else’s debt. Note that collectors often buy accounts in bulk without proper documentation, which makes verification necessary to stop unwanted collection calls.
How to stop collection calls legally
Federal law gives you powerful tools to legally stop unwanted contact from debt collectors. You can control how and when collectors reach out to you once you know your options.
Send a cease-and-desist letter
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to just need that debt collectors stop contacting you completely. You must make this request through a written cease-and-desist letter. Your letter should include:
- Your name and contact information
- Account number (if available)
- A clear statement requesting all communication to stop
- Date and your signature
Keep a copy of this letter in your records. Send the original through certified mail with return receipt requested as proof of delivery.
Request communication only by mail
Instead of stopping all contact, you can ask collectors to communicate only through mail. This lets you track collection activities without disrupting phone calls. Write a simple request stating your preference for written communication only.
How to get debt collectors to stop calling family and others
Debt collectors must follow strict rules about contacting others about your debt. They can only discuss your debt with you, your spouse, or your attorney. Collectors who repeatedly call your family members are likely breaking federal law. Send a written notice to the collector stating that you know about these violations and ask them to stop all third-party contact.
What happens after you send a stop contact request
The law requires debt collectors to stop contacting you after they receive your written request. They can only reach out one final time to:
- Confirm they’ll stop communication
- Notify you of specific actions they plan to take, like filing a lawsuit
Note that stopping communication doesn’t make the debt go away. The collector might still use other methods to collect, including legal action.
What to do if debt collectors keep calling
Debt collectors who ignore your legal requests to stop calling leave you with several options to stop the harassment. These next steps can bring relief and help resolve why it happens.
File a complaint with the CFPB or FTC
Collectors who keep calling after your cease communication request need to be reported right away. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) accepts complaints and forwards them to companies. They work to get you a response within 15 days. You can also submit reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general’s office. The FTC enforces the FDCPA and has taken legal action against more than 30 debt collection companies for violations. You have the right to sue collectors in state or federal court within one year of the violation.
Work with a credit counselor
Non-profit credit counseling organizations are a great way to get help with managing debts. These certified professionals give free educational materials and workshops that help organize your finances. The original one-hour counseling session lets them review your situation and suggest follow-up support. Make sure the counselor is legitimate by checking with your state attorney general. Real counselors send free information without asking for personal details.
Explore debt management or settlement options
Credit counselors can set up debt management plans where you pay them once monthly. They then distribute these payments to your creditors. Unlike debt settlement companies, credit counselors rarely negotiate to reduce principal amounts. They can help secure lower interest rates or extended repayment terms. Be careful with debt settlement companies – their high fees and advice to stop payments can lead to more late fees and increased collection efforts.
Time to talk to a consumer protection attorney
Legal help becomes essential if collectors keep violating the FDCPA through harassment, threats, or misleading statements. Consumer protection attorneys know how to stop harassment and hold companies responsible. Look for lawyers who specialize in consumer law, debt collection defense, or the FDCPA. Bring copies of all debt-related communications to your attorney’s meeting. Never leave your original documents behind.
How to Get Debt Collectors to Stop Calling FAQs
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?
The often-quoted phrase is “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” This is supposed to be how to stop debt collectors from calling you. It may legally force collectors to limit contact, though it doesn’t erase the debt or prevent all collection actions.
Can I stop debt collectors from calling me?
Yes, you can. Under federal law you can send a written “cease and desist” demand telling them to stop contacting you, which is how to stop collection calls. Once they receive it, they are generally required to only communicate in writing and may no longer call you.
What is the 777 rule for debt collectors?
The 777 rule (or the 7-in-7 rule) limits how often debt collectors can call you. It says they cannot contact you more than seven times in a seven-day period, and after you speak with them they must wait seven days before contacting you again.
How do you outsmart a debt collector?
You outsmart a debt collector by knowing your rights and using them. For example, you can request validation of the debt in writing and then use how to get debt collectors to stop calling by sending a proper cease and desist letter. You can also insist that all communication be in writing and refuse to give them new leverage by admitting or confirming the debt verbally.
Can you go to jail for not paying collections?
No, you cannot be sent to jail just for nonpayment of a debt. Debt is a civil matter, not a criminal one. The worst that can happen is they may sue you, get a judgment, and pursue legal remedies like garnishment, but not criminal punishment.
How do I scare off debt collectors?
You “scare” off debt collectors by putting them on notice of legal consequences if they violate the law. Use how to stop debt collectors from calling you by sending a certified letter demanding a cease and desist, and mention that you will report violations under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Having proof of your demand and willingness to escalate can deter further harassment.
What’s the worst a debt collector can do?
The worst they can do is sue you, win a judgment, and then garnish your wages or levy your bank account (where state law allows). They can also damage your credit by reporting negative entries. They cannot jail you for nonpayment.
What happens if I ignore calls from a debt collector?
If you ignore the calls, it may stop the harassment temporarily, but the debt still exists. The collector may escalate by suing you. Ignoring won’t make the liability vanish, and it won’t guarantee they stop contacting your family either—so knowing how to get debt collectors to stop calling family is also important.
