Control how a debt collector contacts you

Two choices

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you can tell a collector in writing to stop contacting you. You can also take a smaller step and limit how and when it contacts you.

Ask the collector to stop all contact

If you write to a collector that you want it to stop contacting you, it generally must stop (FDCPA Section 805(c)). After that, it may contact you only to say it is ending its efforts, or to tell you about a specific step it may take, such as filing a lawsuit.

• Stopping contact does not erase the debt.
• It does not stop the creditor or collector from using lawful options, such as a lawsuit, or from reporting the account.
• It can make it harder to get information or work out an agreement.

Limit how they contact you

Federal rules let you tell a collector which times, places, and methods do not work for you. For example, you can write "no phone calls; contact me by mail only," or ask for no contact at work. The collector must respect those limits.

Limiting phone calls keeps written contact open. That leaves room for validation, disputes, and negotiation, with a paper trail for each one.

Protect yourself

• Send your request by certified mail with return receipt, and keep a copy.
• Keep a log of every call or message: the date, the time, the person's name, and what was said.
• If a collector ignores your request or harasses you, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB and your state attorney general.

Letters that can help

• Ask a collector to contact you by mail only
• Ask a collector to stop contacting you
• Ask a collector to validate a debt