How to Stop Creditor Harassment

Creditors aren't allowed to abuse or harass you. Harassment can take many forms, and creditors may call your house several times a day or speak abusively on the telephone. As a debtor, you have rights, and if you are being harassed by a creditor or hired collection agency, you can take steps to stop harassment and minimize contact.

Instructions

1

Talk to your creditors. Ignoring phone calls or letters can trigger harassment. Even if you don't have money to pay off a debt, at least talk to your creditors and explain your situation. Agree to pay something each week or month until you're able to resolve the balance.

2

Get a written letter confirming that you owe the money. If you doubt the validity of a debt, tell your creditors to send something in writing to verify you owe the balance. Creditors and debt collectors must respond to your request within 30 days or stop contacting you.

3

Notify the Federal Trade Commission and report the creditors. By law, creditors and collection agencies cannot use profanity, threaten or misrepresent themselves on the telephone, nor can they call before the hours of 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. File a complaint with the FTC (FTC.gov) if a creditor or collector violates these rules.

4

Send a letter by certified mail telling the debt collector to stop calling your home. Upon written request, debt collection agencies hired by creditors must stop calling your home.

5

File for bankruptcy protection. Going to your local court to file papers or having your attorney file bankruptcy papers will immediately stop creditor letters and phone calls. While creditors can no longer call or write, they can appear at your bankruptcy hearing in order to collect on a debt.