Debt Collection Defense

How to Stop Collection Calls

When a debt collector violates your rights under the FDCPA, or even if you simply decide you no longer want to receive personal phone calls or Robo Calls, you can take steps to make them stop. Tactics used by debt collectors can push you to the point where you no longer want to deal with them over the phone.

No matter your reason, here are some available tactics of your own to consider to make the calls stop:

1.) Ask the caller to provide their identity, the identity of their company, and work address. Next, send them a tracked letter (with confirmation of delivery) telling them to stop contacting you over the phone. A debt collector must respect his request or face potential consequences. 2.) Get to know the law by talking to an attorney. Under the Federal FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from using of threats or abusive language. Your attorney will be able to apply the law to your unique situation and give you a better understanding of your rights and what can be done to protect and enforce them. 3.) File a formal complaint with your State Attorney General and/or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Wondering what might constitute a violation?

How Debt Collectors Could Be Breaking the Law 1.) Calling repeatedly to annoy 2.) Trying to collect on more money than you actually owe 3.) Making violent threats 4.) Making threats they don't have the legal authority to back up (e.g. wage ganishment, jail, etc) 5.) Using obscene language in the collection calls 6.) Discussing debt with co-workers or neighbors 7.) Failing to verify disputed debts 8.) Refusing to respect requests to cease communication 9.) Failing to include proper disclosures in written communications 10.) Adding improper fees for alternate forms of payment

Keep in mind:

  • forcing a debt collector to communicate in writing, has its pros and cons. Speak with an attorney before taking strategic legal action
  • written communications should be evaluated by your attorney
  • the more you can document the better, employ best practices when documenting potential FDCPA violations

How to Defend a Debt Collection Lawsuit