How to Stop Collection Agencies

Many people mistakenly believe that if they are behind on paying their bills, there is no recourse from the dozens of daily phone calls they receive from collection agencies. However, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you do have a right to halt these incessant calls as well as threatening letters.

Instructions

1

Talk to the collector. While it may seem counter-intuitive to talk to the person you are trying to get rid of, it is important to talk to them at least once to determine exactly what it is they are trying to collect and why. It may be in your best interest to work with the collector to reach a settlement instead of cutting off all communication with them. However, talking to them may not resolve the issue, and you may decide that preventing further communication is for the best after all.

2

Tell the collector in writing that you would like them to stop contacting you. Be polite, but firm in your request. Make sure you are clear that you would like all communication stopped. Make sure the letter is signed and dated.

3

Make a copy of your letter. It is best to put the photocopied version of the letter in a safe place in your home, then mail the original.

4

Send the original copy of the letter by certified mail. Also, make sure to request a return receipt to obtain proof that the collector actually received your letter.

5

Relax. According to the FTC, after receiving your letter, the creditor only has a legal right to contact you to tell you that there will be no further contact or to inform you that they will be taking legal action against you for the debt. If the collector contacts you about something other than these two reasons, it will breach the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and you then may have a right to take legal action against them.