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Stopping Debt-Collection Contact and Documenting Harassment

This guide presents selected U.S. government consumer education from CFPB. References to “we” or “us” in the source material refer to the issuing agency. Source dates and links appear below.

How do I get a debt collector to stop calling or contacting me?

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.

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.

Debt collectors can still collect even if they can’t contact 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.

What is harassment by a debt collector?

Harassment by a debt collector can come in different forms, including repetitious and excessive communications through one or multiple channels intended to annoy or abuse you.

Tip

Keep good records of all of your communications with a debt collector.

Harassment by debt collectors

Debt collectors violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) when they harass, oppress, or abuse you.

It’s harassment when debt collectors:

Place repetitious phone calls or use electronic communications – such as text, email, and social media messages – intended to harass, oppress, or abuse you or any person
Use obscene or profane language
Threaten violence or harm
Publish lists of people who refuse to pay their debts (this does not include reporting information to a credit reporting company)
Call you without telling you their name

Learn when and how often a debt collector can contact you

What are false, deceptive, or misleading practices by debt collectors

The FDCPA also says debt collectors can't use false, deceptive, or misleading practices. This includes misrepresentations about the debt, including:

The amount owed
That the debt collector is an attorney if they are not
False threats to have you arrested
Threats to do things that cannot legally be done
Threats to do things that the debt collector has no intention of doing

How do I sue a debt collector

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. There are lawyers that specialize in this type of lawsuit, but you can also go to court without a lawyer.

Be aware that a lawsuit against a debt collector for FDCPA violations must be filed within one year of the offense, so do not delay. If you file a lawsuit for a violation of state collection law, some state laws may allow more time.Learn how to find a lawyer that specializes in these cases.

Keeping record of your contact with a debt collector

Also, be careful what you say to a debt collector because they will 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.

We have sample letters to help you respond to a debt collector who is trying to collect a debt, along with tips on how to use them. The sample letters may help you to get information, set limits on or stop any further communication, or exercise some of your rights.

If you believe a debt collector is harassing you, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB. You can also contact your state's attorney general.

Sources and publication details

How do I get a debt collector to stop calling or contacting me? — CFPB; source date: 2024-05-14.
What is harassment by a debt collector? — CFPB; source date: 2023-04-14.

The federal agency source text is U.S. government work in the public domain. Fynoptic selected, adapted, and formatted it for this guide. No agency endorsement is implied. Follow the linked sources for current program details and the rules applicable to your circumstances.

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