A debt collector may send you a letter called a validation notice with information about a debt and the collector. If you want the collector to stop contacting you, you can write to say so; if you are disputing the debt, the CFPB says to do that immediately, even before asking the collector to stop.
What to have in front of you
Gather what you have before you write:
- The validation notice, if you received one.
- Any other letters, documents, or communications from the debt collector.
- Notes about conversations, including dates, times, and what you discussed.
- A copy of any letter you send to the collector.
The validation notice includes information about the debt and the collector. It also has a tear-off form with checkboxes you can use to dispute the debt or request more information.
Write to the debt collector
The CFPB says you have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. If you ask the collector to stop all contact, regardless of the communication channel, the collector must stop.
Write a letter to the collector saying you do not want to be contacted again. The CFPB has sample letters you can use to respond to a debt collector.
The CFPB says it is important to respond in writing, even if the collector gave you validation information over the phone or through email. If the collector provides a way to submit your letter electronically, you can use that instead of mailing it.
Keep a copy of what you send. If you mail a letter, make a copy and send the original to the collector. The CFPB says certified mail is generally a good idea. If you pay for a return receipt, it gives you proof that the collector received your letter. If you send the letter electronically, keep a copy.
If you want to dispute or ask about the debt
You may have questions about whether the debt is yours or whether the amount is accurate. If you believe you do not owe the debt or that it is inaccurate, you can write to the collector to ask for evidence.
The validation notice has checkboxes for disputing the debt or requesting more information. The CFPB says that if you are disputing the debt, it is important to do it immediately, even before you insist that the collector stop contacting you.
If you notify the collector in writing that you dispute the debt within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, the collector must stop trying to collect until it has provided verification in response to your dispute.
You can also consider consulting an attorney who specializes in these types of cases to learn more about your rights and options. The CFPB’s information is general consumer information, not legal advice or regulatory guidance.
What can happen after your letter is received
Once the collector receives your letter asking it to stop contacting you, the CFPB says the collector is not allowed to communicate with you again except to:
- Tell you there will be no further contact.
- Advise you that the collector or creditor may take other legally allowed actions, such as filing a lawsuit.
Stopping communication does not make the debt go away. The collector may find other ways to collect it. For example, the collector can file a lawsuit or report negative information to a credit reporting company, although those things will not always happen.
Keep records of communications
Keep the letters, documents, and communications the collector sends you. Write down the dates and times of conversations and notes about what you discussed.
These records can be useful if you are disputing the debt, meeting with a lawyer, or going to court. Keep copies of your written responses as well, whether you send them by mail or electronically.
The CFPB also says to be careful what you say to a collector. Collectors keep records and can track information you provide, including personal information or statements in which you apologize or admit to owing the debt. The CFPB says those statements could be used against you.
If contact continues
If the collector continues to contact you after receiving your written notice to stop, the CFPB says the collector is likely violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The CFPB also describes this concern if contact continues after you have told the collector you have a lawyer and provided the lawyer’s contact information.
You can submit a complaint to the CFPB if you are having trouble with debt collection. You can also consider speaking with an attorney about your rights and options.
Where this comes from
How do I get a debt collector to stop calling or contacting me?