Quick overview

If debt collectors are calling you repeatedly, you have enforceable rights under federal law and many state laws. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) limits how and when collectors can contact you, requires them to verify debts when you ask, and forbids harassment and misrepresentation (see the FTC’s FDCPA summary and the CFPB’s debt collection resources). Acting promptly and in writing is the most effective way to stop unwanted calls while protecting your legal options.

Step-by-step actions to stop collection calls

1) Stay calm and document every contact

  • Keep a log with dates, times, caller name/company, phone number, and a short summary of what was said.
  • Save voicemail, texts, letters, and emails; take screenshots if necessary.
    Why it matters: If collectors violate the FDCPA, detailed records are essential for complaints or lawsuits.

2) Confirm the caller’s identity and purpose

  • Ask for the caller’s name, company, phone number, mailing address, and the debt they’re collecting. If they refuse to provide basic info, that’s a red flag.
  • If the collector sends a written “validation notice,” you have 30 days from the date of the first written notice to request verification of the debt under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692g). If you make a timely written request for validation, the collector must stop collection activities until they provide verification.

3) Send a debt validation request (if you believe the debt is incorrect or you need proof)
What to include:

  • Your full name, address, and account number (if shown on their notice).
  • A clear statement that you are requesting validation of the debt under the FDCPA.
  • Ask for the original creditor’s name, the amount claimed, and documentation showing you owe that amount (signed contract, billing statements, payment history).
    How to send: Mail the request by certified mail with return receipt and keep a copy. You can also send by email if the collector uses email—but certified mail creates stronger proof of delivery.
    For more on how to validate debts, see our glossary on Debt Validation.

4) Use a written cease-and-desist (cease communication) letter if you want all calls to stop

  • Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)), you can demand that a collector stop communicating with you. After a properly sent request, the collector may only contact you to tell you they will stop contacting you or to inform you that they intend to take a specific action (like filing a lawsuit).
  • Sample wording: “I hereby demand that you cease all communication with me regarding account number X. This is a request under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Do not contact me by phone, mail, or email. Any further contact will be considered a violation of federal and state law.”
  • Send by certified mail with return receipt; include your contact info and the account reference.
    Note: A cease-and-desist stops calls but does not erase the debt or prevent a collector from suing you. If you’re concerned about legal action, or if the collector threatens to sue, consult an attorney.

5) If the collector won’t stop or breaks the rules, escalate

  • File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
  • Contact your state attorney general’s consumer protection division (state AG links are searchable via usa.gov).
  • If you have evidence of FDCPA violations (harassment, calls at prohibited hours, calling your workplace after being told not to, threats), consider talking to a consumer attorney about a lawsuit. Successful FDCPA suits can yield statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney’s fees (15 U.S.C. § 1692k).

Common collector behaviors that are illegal

  • Repeated or continuous phone calls intended to annoy, abuse, or harass.
  • Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (local time) without your consent.
  • Contacting your employer after being told not to.
  • Discussing your debt with third parties (neighbors, co-workers) except to obtain contact information.
  • Using false statements, misrepresenting the debt, or threatening arrest.
    These rules are enforced under the FDCPA; state laws may offer even stronger protections. See the FTC’s and CFPB’s guides for details.

When to answer calls vs when to let them go to voicemail

  • If you’ve sent a validation request or a cease-and-desist letter, it’s generally best not to verbally engage except to confirm that they received your written communication. Verbal conversations can be used against you or may restart collection activity.
  • If you haven’t sent written notices and you want to resolve the matter, keep conversations brief, do not admit liability, and request that all future communication be in writing.

What to include in a validation request (checklist)

  • Your full legal name and current address
  • Account number or reference from collector’s notice
  • Date you received the collector’s first written notice (if any)
  • Clear statement: “I am requesting validation of the debt under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g. Please provide proof that I am legally obligated to pay this debt.”
  • Request for original creditor name, itemized account history, and copies of any documents bearing your signature
  • Date and signature

Sample letters (use your own details)

Debt validation request (short):
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Re: Account/Reference #: X

To whom it may concern:
I am requesting validation of the alleged debt referenced above pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1692g. Please provide the amount of the debt, the name of the original creditor, and copies of any documents showing I agreed to this debt. Until you validate the debt, do not attempt to collect. Please respond to my address above.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Cease-and-desist letter (short):
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Re: Account/Reference #: X

To whom it may concern:
I am writing to request that you cease all communications with me regarding the above-referenced debt. This is a request under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c). Except to advise me that you will cease collection efforts or that you intend to take legal action, do not contact me by phone, mail, email, or any other medium. Any further contact will be considered harassment under federal and state law.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Send each letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep copies of everything.

Special situations and things to watch for

  • Zombie debt: Debts beyond the statute of limitations or already paid can be resurrected by buyers of old accounts. Don’t admit liability or make payments without verification—see our post on What is a Zombie Debt?.
  • Employer or workplace calls: If your employer forbids calls or you tell the collector not to call at work, continued contact at work is a violation.
  • Credit reporting: Collections may appear on your credit report even if you dispute the debt. If the collector cannot validate the debt, dispute the entry with the credit bureaus and the furnisher. Our guide on disputing collection claims has step‑by‑step instructions: How to Dispute False Debt Collection Claims: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Evidence to keep if you pursue legal action

  • Certified mail receipts and return-receipts
  • Copies of all letters and notices
  • Recordings or transcripts of phone calls (only where lawful — many states require one-party consent)
  • Call logs and saved voicemails or texts
  • Proof of funds paid or settlement offers

When to get professional help

  • You’ve sent cease-and-desist letters and harassment continues
  • The collector has filed a lawsuit or threatens legal action
  • You’re dealing with large balances, potential wage garnishment, or tax refund offsets
    A consumer protection attorney can advise on state-specific rules, damages, and whether to file an FDCPA suit. Nonprofit counseling agencies can also help with negotiation and budgeting; search for HUD-approved or nonprofit credit counseling near you.

Where to file complaints and find resources

Final notes and disclaimer

Stopping collection calls is usually a mix of clear documentation, timely written requests for validation or cessation, and escalation to government agencies or attorneys when collectors break the law. In my experience working with clients on debt collection issues, a concise written validation request or a properly worded cease‑and‑desist letter—sent by certified mail—stops most harassing calls quickly. This article is educational and not legal advice. If you face lawsuits, wage garnishments, or complex cross-jurisdictional debt sales, consult a qualified consumer law attorney for personalized legal guidance.

Authoritative sources referenced: FTC (FDCPA guidance) and CFPB debt collection resources.

Internal links used: Debt Validation, How to Dispute False Debt Collection Claims, What is a Zombie Debt