Few experiences are more annoying — or anxiety-inducing — than debt collector calls. But you don’t have to become accustomed to frequent calls. There’s a legal way to make them stop (and move forward without continued interruption).
You Have a Right to Say No
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects your right to privacy. This law places limitations on when or how collectors can contact you. Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., at your place of work or repeated attempts to bother or scare you are not allowed under the FDCPA.
And the best bit? You can tell them to stop contacting you altogether. But knowing the law and enforcing it are two different things. Let’s get into the how-to, and start preserving your peace.
How to Send a Cease Contact Letter
You can stop the calls by sending a letter called a “cease contact” request. Your letter should include your full name, mailing address, the name of the collection agency, the account number and — most importantly — a short statement asking them to cease contacting you.
For example, you could say something like: “I am asking you to stop contacting me about this account. Do not call, text or email me anymore. This request is made under my rights through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”
Send the letter using certified mail with a return receipt. This gives you proof they got it. Keep a copy of the letter and your receipt.
What Happens After the Letter
Once the collector receives your letter, they are only allowed to confirm that they will stop contacting you and tell you if they plan to take legal action. Any further contact with you could be a breach of the law.
Protecting Your Privacy
By law, debt collectors can’t talk to your friends, family or coworkers about your debt, nor may they leave detailed messages that share your personal financial info.
In your letter, you can itemize all the ways they may not contact you, just to cover your bases. For example, you might say that you do not agree to being contacted by text, email or at your workplace. Adding these specifics to your letter can help ensure that they’ve been informed of your boundaries.
Reporting Violations
If a collector ignores your written request and keeps contacting you, you can (and should) report them.
Write down each communication, noting the date, time, and what they said. Save all the voicemails, texts or emails that arrived after you know your letter arrived at their listed address. Then, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, State Attorney General’s Office and/or the Better Business Bureau.
And when the calls stop?
The debt collectors may no longer be hounding you, but that doesn’t mean the debt has disappeared.
While each debt is different, there are some ways to help alleviate the burden of repayment. If you’re struggling to keep your head above water, debt consolidation could help by:
- Combining eligible unsecured bills into one monthly payment
- Helping you get out of debt in as little as 24 to 48 months
- Reducing financial stress so you can move forward
The content and resources provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute as legal advice.