How to Stop Bill Collectors From Calling You

Bill collectors often use harassing phone calls to collect debts they believe you owe. While these collectors are allowed to pursue debts, there are several legal guidelines they must follow. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines the ways that debt collectors can collect on their debts. They cannot use profane language, make false claims, threaten to arrest you or falsely claim to be attorneys. Once you tell them in writing to stop calling you to collect the debt, they must honor that request.

Instructions

1

Call the creditor or bill collector to get the correct mailing address for all correspondence relating to your debt. Also, request that they send you a current statement of how much you owe, and what, if any, fees or penalties you have been assessed for late payment, if applicable.

2

Draft a letter requesting that the collection agency no longer contact you. Be sure to include your name and the bill's account number in the letter so they may properly attribute your letter to the correct account.

3

Mail the letter through certified mail with return receipt requested. Once the bill collection agency signs for your letter, they cannot contact you again for the purposes of collecting the debt. They may call you to tell you there will be no further contact, or if they plan to take specific legal action such as filing a lawsuit to collect the debt.

4

Keep a written log of every attempt by the bill collector to contact you. If they contact you after the cease and desist letter for the purposes of collecting the debt, you can sue them for violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you have "the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills."