How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that should you choose to do so:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received the letter. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.
Keep in mind that debt collectors have become quite crafty, and in many cases will find a way to continue calling you in spite of a cease and desist letter. If you owe the debt and cannot pay as agreed, we recommend that instead of sending a letter, you simply take the first couple calls and let the collector know that you have no ability to pay currently and will contact them when you do. If they continue to call, you can simply ignore the calls unless you have a change in your situation to report to them. If you are in our debt consolidation and settlement program, we provide more instruction on minimizing these collection efforts to delay the creditors until the accounts can be settled for a fraction of the current balance.
Q: What types of debts are covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
Q: Can a debt collector contact me any time or place?
Q: How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
Q: Can a debt collector talk to anyone else about my debt?
Q: What information does a debt collector have to provide about a debt?
Q: What practices are not legal for debt collectors?
Q: Can a debt collector garnish my wages or bank account?
Q: What benefits cannot be garnished?
Q: Where can I report a debt collector for an FDCPA violation?
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| Our Program | Debt Consolidation Loan | Credit Counseling | Minimum Payments |
|
| Total Unsecured Debt | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Months To Pay Off | 46 | 60 | 60 | 433 |
| Interest Paid | None | 12% | Variable | 18.99% |
| Monthly Payment | $498 | $667 | $855 | $900 |
| Total Est. Cost | $22,950 | $40,040 | $51,300 | $80,619 |
* The above numbers are an example of past performance and are not intended to be a guarantee of any future settlement results.
