How to Stop Debt Collector Calls: Complete Guide to Harassing Phone Calls

Updated March 2026 · 10 min read · FDCPA Rights Guide

The Short Version You have the legal right to make debt collectors stop calling you. Under the FDCPA, send a written "cease and desist" letter demanding they stop all communication. Once received, they can only contact you to confirm they will stop or notify you of legal action (like a lawsuit). Violations can result in $1,000+ statutory damages per violation.

The phone rings. Again. It is the same debt collector who has called you six times this week — sometimes multiple times per day. They call during dinner. They call when you are at work. They call early in the morning. When you answer, they demand payment. When you do not answer, they leave threatening voicemails.

This is debt collection harassment — and it is illegal. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you powerful rights to stop abusive collection tactics, including the right to make collectors stop calling you entirely.

This guide explains exactly how to stop debt collector calls, what constitutes illegal harassment, how to document violations, and how to take legal action if collectors do not respect your rights.

Your FDCPA Rights: What Collectors Cannot Do

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Here is what debt collectors cannot do:

Harassment and Abuse

Use threats of violence or harm
Publish your name on a "shame list"
Use obscene or profane language
Call you repeatedly with intent to annoy or harass
Call you without identifying themselves

False or Misleading Statements

Falsely claim to be attorneys or government representatives
Misrepresent the amount you owe
Threaten to arrest you or have you arrested (you cannot be arrested for debt)
Threaten to garnish wages or seize property unless they legally can and intend to do so
Claim you committed a crime

Unfair Practices

Try to collect interest or fees not authorized by your original agreement or state law
Deposit a post-dated check early
Take or threaten to take your property unless legally permitted
Contact you by postcard (which could reveal your debt status)

These Violations Carry Penalties For each FDCPA violation, debt collectors can be liable for up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages (for emotional distress, lost wages, etc.), plus attorney fees. Many consumer attorneys take FDCPA cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.

Call Time Restrictions: When Can They Call?

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors can only call you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone. Calls outside this window are violations.

Call Time	Legal?
7:30 a.m. local time	Illegal (too early)
8:00 a.m. local time	Legal
2:00 p.m. local time	Legal
9:00 p.m. local time	Legal (cutoff time)
9:30 p.m. local time	Illegal (too late)

Note: Some states have stricter rules. Check your state's debt collection laws for additional protections.

Work Calls: Can They Call Your Job?

Debt collectors can call you at work unless you tell them not to. Once you inform them (orally or in writing) that your employer prohibits personal calls or that you do not want to be contacted at work, they must stop calling you there.

Tell them verbally. Say: "I cannot receive personal calls at work. Please do not call me at this number again."

Follow up in writing. Send a letter confirming your oral request. This creates a paper trail if they continue calling.

Document violations. If they continue calling your work after your request, write down each call (date, time, caller ID, what was said).

How to Make Debt Collectors Stop Calling: The Cease and Desist Letter

The most powerful tool you have is the cease and desist letter (also called a "stop communication letter"). Under FDCPA Section 805(c), once a collector receives this letter, they must stop all communication with you except for two narrow purposes:

To confirm they will stop contacting you
To notify you of specific legal action (such as filing a lawsuit)

Important: This Does Not Make the Debt Go Away A cease and desist letter stops the calls, but it does not eliminate the debt. The collector can still report the debt to credit bureaus, and they can still sue you to collect. However, many collectors will simply close the file rather than pursue legal action.

Sample Cease and Desist Letter

Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the green card and a photocopy for your records.

Cease and Desist Letter Template

[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Collection Agency Name] [Collection Agency Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Re: Account Number [XXXX-XXXX] — Cease and Desist Communication Request To Whom It May Concern: This letter is a formal request that you cease all communication with me regarding the above-referenced account, pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c). I am hereby notifying you that I refuse to pay this debt and that I demand you stop all further communication with me. Under federal law, you may only contact me after receiving this letter to: 1. Confirm that you will stop all further communications, or 2. Notify me of specific legal action you are taking (such as filing a lawsuit). Any other form of communication — including phone calls, letters, text messages, or emails — is prohibited and will be considered a violation of the FDCPA. If you violate this request, I will document each violation and pursue all available legal remedies, including statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation, actual damages, and attorney fees. This letter is being sent via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. I am keeping a copy for my records. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Certified Mail Tracking Number: [XXXXXXXXXX]

Prefer a Validated Approach First?

Before sending a cease and desist, consider requesting debt validation. This forces the collector to prove the debt is yours and can stop collection while they respond.

Generate Debt Validation Letter →

Free · No sign-up required · FDCPA-protected

How to Send Your Cease and Desist Letter

Print two copies. One to send, one to keep.

Sign both copies.

Go to the post office. Send the letter via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested (USPS Form 3800 and 3811).

Keep everything. Store your copy, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt (green card) when it comes back.

Wait for delivery. Once the collector receives the letter, they must comply.

What Happens After You Send the Letter?

After the collector receives your cease and desist letter:

They must stop calling you. Any calls after receipt (except for the two allowed purposes) are FDCPA violations.
They may send a confirmation letter. This is allowed — they can confirm they will stop contacting you.
They may file a lawsuit. If they intend to sue, they can notify you of this. A cease and desist letter does not prevent legal action.
They may report to credit bureaus. The debt can still appear on your credit report (if it is within the 7-year reporting window).
They may close the file. Many collectors simply stop collecting when they cannot contact you.

Keep Monitoring After sending your cease and desist letter, monitor your phone calls and mail. If the collector (or a different collector for the same debt) continues contacting you, document each violation. You may have grounds for an FDCPA lawsuit.

What If They Keep Calling?

If a debt collector violates your cease and desist request, take these steps:

1. Document Every Violation

For each illegal call, record:

Date and time
Caller ID information
Name of the person who called
What was said (take notes during or immediately after the call)
Save voicemails

2. Send a Follow-Up Letter

Remind them of your cease and desist request and warn them you are documenting violations.

3. File Complaints

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
Your State Attorney General: File a complaint with your state's consumer protection office

4. Consult a Consumer Attorney

Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations for FDCPA cases. Because the FDCPA allows attorney fees to be paid by the violator, most attorneys take these cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.

Do Not Ignore a Lawsuit If you receive notice that you are being sued, respond within the deadline (typically 20-30 days). Ignoring a lawsuit can result in a default judgment against you, even if the collector violated the FDCPA.

Checklist: Stop Debt Collector Calls

□ Document all harassing calls (dates, times, what was said)
□ Identify the collection agency and account number
□ Write your cease and desist letter
□ Make two copies and sign both
□ Send via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested
□ Keep all documentation (copy, receipt, return receipt)
□ Monitor for violations after delivery
□ File complaints if violations occur
□ Consult attorney for serious violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make debt collectors stop calling me?

Yes. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to demand that debt collectors stop calling you. Send a written "cease and desist" letter requesting they stop all communication. Once they receive it, they can only contact you to confirm they will stop calling or to notify you of specific legal action (such as filing a lawsuit).

What time can debt collectors call me?

Under federal law, debt collectors can only call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone. Calls outside this window are violations of the FDCPA. Some states have stricter rules.

Can debt collectors call me at work?

Debt collectors can call you at work unless you tell them your employer prohibits such calls. Once you inform them (orally or in writing) that you cannot receive collection calls at work, they must stop calling you there.

How many times can a debt collector call me?

The FDCPA prohibits calls with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass. While there is no specific number limit in federal law, calling you repeatedly in a short period (such as 10 times in one day) or calling continuously after you have answered could constitute harassment. The CFPB has indicated that more than 7 calls within 7 days about the same debt may be presumptively harassing.

What happens after I send a cease and desist letter?

After receiving your cease and desist letter, the collector must stop all communication except to: (1) confirm they will stop contacting you, or (2) notify you of specific legal action they are taking (such as filing a lawsuit). They cannot continue calling you to demand payment. If they do, they are violating the FDCPA and you can sue them.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. FDCPA rights and state debt collection laws vary. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed consumer rights attorney. Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations and take FDCPA cases on contingency.