How to Write a Cease and Desist Letter to a Collection Agency

Debt collectors may not harass you by phone or in person. By law, debt collectors may not call you repeatedly at your place of work, early in the morning or late at night, and they may not threaten you or make false statements regarding your debt. You may contact the debt collection company in writing and ask them to formally stop calling you over your debt. Even if you write this cease and desist letter, you are still obligated to pay your debts.

Instructions

1

Before officially writing a letter, it is best to find a way to work out a payment plan with a collection agency. If you are behind in your payments, you should call the collection agency and negotiate a way to pay off your debt.

2

Keep the letter brief and write it as a formal business letter. Provide your contact information, the name of the collection agency and your account number.

3

Quote the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and your right under that law to be free from harassment from collection agencies. Tell them to cease contacting you. You may tell them that you will file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and your state's attorneys general if they don't cease and desist. You may also write that you plan to contact your original creditor to work out a plan.

4

Close with "Sincerely" and your name.

5

Send your request certified mail.

6

Keep the receipt and a copy of the letter for your records.