Your FDCPA rights
How to Stop a Debt Collector from Contacting You
Send a cease-communication letter to legally stop a debt collector. Learn exactly how to do it and what happens next.
Federal Law Protects You
Under FDCPA Section 805(c), you have the absolute right to demand that a debt collector stop contacting you. Once you send a written cease-communication letter, they must stop — with very limited exceptions.
What do people ask about how to stop a debt collector from contacting you?
How do I send a cease-communication letter?
Write a letter clearly stating: "I am writing to request that you cease all communication with me regarding [debt description]." Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy. You do not need to explain why. You do not need an attorney.
What can a collector do after receiving my cease letter?
After receiving your cease-communication letter, collectors can only contact you to: (1) acknowledge receipt of your letter and confirm they are stopping contact; or (2) notify you of a specific remedy they intend to pursue, such as filing a lawsuit.
Does a cease letter erase the debt?
No. Stopping communication does not make the debt disappear. The collector can still sue you (if within the statute of limitations), and the debt can still appear on your credit report. A cease letter just stops the harassment — it does not resolve the debt.
What if the collector contacts me again after my cease letter?
Any contact after a valid cease-communication letter is a per-se FDCPA violation. Document it immediately (date, time, method). Then consult a consumer attorney — this is often an automatic win worth $1,000 plus attorney fees.
Should I always send a cease letter?
Not necessarily. Stopping contact does not pause the statute of limitations and may push collectors to sue faster. If you have funds to negotiate a settlement, you may want to engage rather than cease. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
Related Resources
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
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Every figure on PlainCollector is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
| Publisher | PlainCollector |
| Sources | the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database |