How to Stop Harassing Debt Calls

Defaulting on your credit obligations and failing to pay can result in your account being written off and the balance being sent to a collection agency or debt collector. Collection agencies can call you about your debt to try to get you to pay. The Federal Trade Commission regulates debt collectors' actions through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If a debt collector or agency harasses and repeatedly calls you, you can take action -- with the FDCPA on your side -- to get the harassing debt calls to stop.

Instructions

1

Talk with the debt collector or creditor at least once to determine if you can resolve the matter. Ask if you can make payment arrangements or somehow settle the debt if you believe that you actually owe the amount the collector is demanding. Sending in monthly payments to a debt collection agency or past creditor may get the calls from that particular creditor to stop.

2

Type a letter to the debt collection agency or creditor requesting that they stop communications with you regarding the debt. Cite the FTC's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in the letter, stating in your letter that this Act requires that the collector honor your request to cease communications.

3

Make a copy of the letter and keep it for your records. Mail the original letter to the collection agency that has been harassing you. Send the letter via certified mail and pay for a "return receipt" so that you have proof and confirmation that the collection agency received your letter.