Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to stop a debt collector (a debt buyer or collection agency) from contacting you. Keep in mind that even if a debt collector stops calling, the debt is still there. You still have to deal with your debt. The debt collector may still sue you for the debt. Check Coming up with a debt payment plan to learn how you can better manage your debt.
Follow these steps to asks your creditor or debt collector to stop contacting you:
Get the debt collector's mail address. Write them a letter and ask them to stop contacting you.
Use our Ask debt collector to stop contact Easy Form. This program can help you create a letter to your creditor or debt collector.
Keep a copy of your letter for your record. Send the original by certified mail. To be able to document what the collector received, pay for a "return receipt". You can see a video about this process here.
If you believe that the debt isn't yours, you might choose to send some evidence with the letter. The evidence could be a copy of your statement showing:
- the balance you owe;
- the credit agreement;
- or other documents or information.
Once the collector gets your letter, they are not allowed to contact you again, with two exceptions:
- A collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact; and
- The collector can tell you that they (or the creditor) are going to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit.
If the collector continues to call after receiving the letter, they may be violating the FDCPA. It is also against the law for a debt collector to use unfair, deceptive or abusive practices. This page contains information about what debt collectors can or can't do.
If you have trouble with debt collection, consider the following options:
- Submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372);
- Report any problems to your state's attorney general; or
- Sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA.
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Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
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