What to say to bill collectors to stop calling?

Asked by: Morgan Bruen  |  Last update: November 9, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (29 votes)

Under the federal FDCPA, if you request that a debt collector stop contacting you completely, it must do so, subject to a few exceptions. Your request must be in writing. You can send a letter by mail, return receipt requested (keep a copy), stating that you want the collection agency to stop all contact with you.

Can you tell a bill collector to stop calling?

Under the FDCPA, you can tell a debt collector to stop contacting you; but it's not always a good idea. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to force a debt collector to stop communicating with you.

What to say to creditors to stop them from calling?

Here's how you stop debt collection calls for someone else's debt:
  1. Answer the phone and explain you're not the person they're looking for.
  2. Tell them that they are calling the wrong number.
  3. Send a cease and desist letter to them.
  4. If they continue to call, file a complaint with the FTC.

How do I stop harassing phone calls from debt collectors?

If you believe a debt collector is harassing you, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). You can also contact your state's attorney general .

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The first step to stopping debt collectors from calling you is telling them the 11-word phrase - “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.”

2 Simple Ways to Get Debt Collectors to Stop Calling

36 related questions found

How many times a day can a debt collector call your cell phone?

Federal law doesn't give a specific limit on the number of calls a debt collector can place to you. A debt collector may not call you repeatedly or continuously intending to annoy, abuse, or harass you or others who share the number.

How do you outsmart a debt collector?

9 Ways to Outsmart Debt Collectors
  1. Don't Get Emotional. ...
  2. Make Sure the Debt Is Really Yours. ...
  3. Ask for Proof. ...
  4. Resist the Scare Tactics. ...
  5. Be Wary of Fees. ...
  6. Negotiate. ...
  7. Call In Backup. ...
  8. Know the Time Limits.

What is the credit secrets 11 word phrase?

If you need to take a break, you can use this 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” Here is what you should do if you are being contacted by a debt collector.

What do you say when a collection agency calls?

You only need to say a few things:
  • “This is not a good time. Please call back at 6:00.”
  • “I don't believe I owe this debt. Can you send information on it?”
  • “I prefer to pay the original creditor. ...
  • “My employer does not allow me to take these calls at work.”

How do I write a letter to debt collector to stop calling?

Dear [debt collector]: Pursuant to my rights under the state and federal fair debt collection laws, I hereby request that you immediately cease all calls to [your phone number] in relation to the account of [wrong person's full name]. This is the wrong number to contact that person.

What happens if you ignore a debt collector?

Ignoring or avoiding the debt collector may cause the debt collector to use other methods to try to collect the debt, including a lawsuit against you. If you are unable to come to an agreement with a debt collector, you may want to contact an attorney who can provide you with legal advice about your situation.

What happens if you hang up on a debt collector?

If you continue to ignore communicating with the debt collector, they will likely file a collections lawsuit against you in court. If you are served with a lawsuit and ignore this court filing, the debt collection company will then be able to get a default judgment against you.

Can you have a 700 credit score with collections?

Yes, it is possible to have a credit score of at least 700 with a collections remark on your credit report, however it is not a common situation. It depends on several contributing factors such as: differences in the scoring models being used.

How do I write a 609 letter?

How to Write a 609 Letter
  1. Step 1: Get your free credit report. Before writing a 609 letter, request a free copy of your credit report online to check it for any erroneous negative items. ...
  2. Step 2: Write your 609 letter. ...
  3. Step 3: Mail your 609 letter via certified mail with a return receipt.

Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency?

If you do have a legitimate issue with a debt collection that shows up on your credit report, you can dispute it through the collector or the credit bureaus. To contact the collector directly, be sure you file a letter in writing within 30 days of first receiving communication about the debt.

How do I challenge a debt collector?

Your dispute should be made in writing to ensure that the debt collector has to send you verification of the debt. If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

Can debt collectors call you at work?

It's not necessarily illegal for a debt collector to call you at work, but the FDCPA prohibits debt collection calls to your job if the debt collector "has reason to know" that your employer forbids those calls.

Can bill collectors call you multiple times a day?

Also, debt collectors can't call you numerous times a day. Doing so is considered a form of harassment by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is explicitly not allowed.

Can debt collectors track your phone?

Debt collectors use a process called "skip tracing" to get phone numbers and other contact information for people who owe debts. 2 They locate people who know you and get as much information as they can about you.

What is a goodwill deletion?

The goodwill deletion request letter is based on the age-old principle that everyone makes mistakes. It is, simply put, the practice of admitting a mistake to a lender and asking them not to penalize you for it. Obviously, this usually works only with one-time, low-level items like 30-day late payments.

Why you should not pay collections?

Making a payment on the debt will likely reset the statute of limitations — which is disastrous. If the collection agency can't show ownership of the debt. Frequently, the sale of a debt from a creditor to a collector is sloppy. A collection agency hounding you may not be able to show they actually own your debt.

Can I still pay the original creditor instead?

Unfortunately, you're still obligated to pay a debt even if the original creditor sells it to a collection agency. As long as you legally consented to repay your loan in the first place, it doesn't matter who owns it. You may be able to pay less than you actually owe, though.

Can you be rude to debt collectors?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states that a debt collector cannot: Use or threaten to use violence or other criminal means to harm you, your reputation or your property. Use obscene or profane language or language in an effort to abuse you.

Should you talk to debt collectors?

If a debt collector contacts you, you might want to speak with them even if you don't owe the debt or can't pay right now. The debt collector can help you understand if the debt is your responsibility and explain your options. You can also ask questions.

Can you swear at a debt collector?

No. It is illegal for a debt collector to use profane or abusive language in order to strongarm you into making payments. That's a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Debt collectors can be very aggressive when trying to settle an account.