Can You Stop Collection?

How You Can Stop Collector Harrassment

You can stop collectors from calling you very easily. It’s generally not advisable to take this action until you are sure what you will do about the debt. If a collection agency is blocked from contacting you, they have no way to collect on the debt. Many times this in itself will prompt legal action. So, if you feel that you might negotiate with them in the future, keep the lines of communication open. And if you file a bankruptcy, they must stop contact immediately.

However, if you decide that you do not want to hear from a debt collection agency again, you must notify them in writing. Make a copy, and send the original by certified mail. Pay for a return receipt so you’ll be able to document that the collector received your notice. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

• they can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact
• to let you know that they or the creditor intends to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit

Remember, sending notice to a debt collector does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop them from contacting you. They can still can sue you to collect on the debt.