How to Stop Harassing Calls From a Collection Agency
The government established the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in 1978 to help protect consumers from unscrupulous debt collection practices. Many people don't know their rights regarding calls from collections agents. You can tell them to stop calling you because they are harassing you and, if they do not, they can be sued and fined. You might end up calling them to find out when they are going to pay you! There are a few procedures that you should take to stop those annoying calls.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Send the bill collection agency a cease and desist letter via certified mail with a return receipt. Have the letter notarized as well. In the letter clearly state your name, phone number, account number, and the fact that they must stop calling you immediately. Instead of calling, the debt collector will have to communicate with you through the mail only.
-
2
Record every conversation that you have with the collection agent. You will need this information to prove that they are violating the law with their practices.
-
-
3
Ask the bill collector to stop calling you immediately and refer to your letter. Quote the law to let the bill collector know that you are very serious and informed. Mention that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that a bill collector stop calling you when you send them a cease and desist letter and offer to send a copy of your certified mail receipt that proves they received the written communication. Tell them that, if they do not stop harassing you, a court case will be filed and you will sue them for harassment. (If you win that case, you will receive damages of up to $1,000 plus your court and attorney fees.) It is very important to keep accurate records of the bill collector's harassment.
-
4
Change your phone number and get a new one that is unlisted for added security. As soon as you get a new phone number, your information will be listed through directory assistance and eventually made available online to searchers unless you specifically ask for the number to be unlisted. Pay any additional fees required to keep your number private.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that while a cease and desist letter will stop the calls, it does not stop the debt. You will still be pursued for this debt in other ways, which could include being sued by the creditor for the balance owed. So make every effort to pay down your debt even if you no longer receive collector calls.
