How to Stop a Debt Collection Agency

If debt collection agencies are calling non-stop and sending you letter after letter on official-looking stationary, you can make them stop. If you don't have the money to pay your bills, someone constantly harassing you isn't going to make the money suddenly appear. However, the original creditor sold your debt to a collection agency that is now hot on your trail. You have the right to tell them to "Stop Contact" and leave you alone. By writing this simple letter, you assert your right under the law to make them back off.

Instructions

1

Compose a "Stop Contact" letter that will let the collection agencies know in no uncertain terms that you are tired of their harassment. The legal way to do this is to request that they turn your account back over to the original creditor who is unlikely to pursue the matter further.

2

Write or type your name and your address at the top of the letter, flush with the left side. Below that, insert the date. All correspondence with any debt collection agencies must be dated. Type in the account number and the name of the original creditor who held your account just below the date. All of this goes on the left margin.

3

Enter the heading - "Dear (Full Name of Account Representative), or if no name is identified, enter, "Dear Sir or Madam," By starting your letter professionally, you let them know that you mean business.

4

Write a couple of sentences such as, "This letter is to request that you immediately cease and desist from sending me any further correspondence concerning the aforementioned account. I am within my legal rights to issue this request and I will pursue federal and state sanctions against your agency if you disregard this request."

5

Next, add another short paragraph of only one sentence that reads, "Please inform (the name of the original creditor) that I request that they personally handle all correspondence with me from this point forward."

6

Finish your "Stop Contact" letter by typing spacing down four spaces and typing "Regards," and then below that, type your name and sign the paper beneath your typed name.