How to stop debt collector calls

You can make a debt collector stop contacting you by telling it in writing to stop. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), once a collector receives your letter it must stop contacting you about that debt, except to confirm it is stopping or to tell you about a specific step it may take, such as filing a lawsuit. The letter does not erase the debt, so read what it does and does not do before you send it. A template is below.

Option 1: tell the collector to stop completely

A cease-communication letter is the strongest tool you have. After the collector receives it, the collector may contact you only to:

• tell you it is ending its collection efforts
• tell you it or the creditor may use a specific remedy, such as a lawsuit
• tell you it intends to use that remedy

A few points to know:

• The letter applies to the collector that receives it. If the debt is sent to a different collector or sold to a new owner, you may need to send a new letter.
• The FDCPA covers third-party collectors, debt buyers and collection lawyers. It generally does not cover the original lender collecting its own debt, though many lenders will honor a written request and some state laws cover them. Rules vary by state.
• If a collector contacts you about the debt after receiving your letter, outside those exceptions, that may be a violation you can report.

What a cease letter does not do

• It does not cancel or reduce the debt.
• It does not remove the debt from your credit report.
• It does not stop interest or fees, if your agreement allows them.
• It does not stop a lawsuit. If the collector has no other way to reach you, it may be more likely to sue.
• It means you will not hear about settlement offers or payment plans unless you reach out yourself.

If you think you owe the debt and want to resolve it, limiting contact (Option 2) may suit you better than stopping it entirely. If you are not sure the debt is yours, send a debt validation letter first, within the deadline on the collector's notice.

Cease-communication letter template

Copy this into a document, fill in the parts in square brackets, and delete lines that do not apply.

How to send it

1. Fill it in and sign it. Check the reference number against the collector's letter.
2. Keep a copy. Store it with the collector's letters and your notes.
3. Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested. The receipt shows the date the collector got your letter. The rules start from that date.
4. Log any contact after that date. Write down the date, time, number and what was said. Save voicemails and screenshots.
5. Report violations. If the contact continues, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal regulator, at consumerfinance.gov/complaint, and with your state attorney general.

Option 2: limit contact instead

You do not have to cut off contact completely. Federal rules let you control when, where and how a collector reaches you:

You can make these requests on the phone, but put them in writing too so you have proof. Our guide to your rights with debt collectors covers the call limits in more detail.

Calls that are not from a debt collector

• The original lender. Ask it to stop calling or to contact you only in writing. Many will note your preference. Some state laws give you more rights.
• Robocalls and automated texts. For autodialed or prerecorded calls and texts to your cell phone, you can generally withdraw your consent by any reasonable means, such as replying "stop" or telling the caller.
• The Do Not Call Registry. It blocks telemarketing sales calls. It does not stop debt collection calls.
• Scam calls. Fake collectors threaten arrest and demand payment by gift card, wire, crypto or payment app. Ask for a written validation notice and look the company up yourself in our company directory before paying anything.

If you are sued: never ignore a court summons

A cease letter does not stop a collector from suing. If you are served with a summons and complaint, the papers will give a deadline to respond, often somewhere between 14 and 30 days depending on your state and court.

If you do not respond, the court will usually enter a default judgment against you. That can allow the collector to garnish your wages, take money from your bank account or place a lien on property, depending on state law. Some income, such as Social Security benefits, is protected from most garnishment by private creditors.

1. Confirm the lawsuit is real. Call the court listed on the papers, using a number you find yourself, not one on the papers.
2. Note the deadline. Count the days from the date you were served.
3. File a response. This is usually called an "answer". Many courts have self-help centers and forms.
4. Raise your defenses. Common ones include that the debt is not yours, the amount is wrong, the plaintiff cannot prove it owns the debt, or the statute of limitations has run out.
5. Go to every hearing. Showing up matters. A collector still has to prove its case, and it may struggle to do that when you appear and ask for proof.
6. Get help. Find free legal help through usa.gov/legal-aid, or talk to a consumer attorney. Many take collection cases at low or no cost when the collector has broken the law.

Questions and answers