Phone Call Harassment by Debt Collectors: What You Can Do

Tired of nonstop calls from debt collectors? Learn how to recognize phone call harassment, stop illegal tactics, and take legal action against abusive debt collectors.

Legal Jan 30, 2025 8 Add to Reading List

Phone Call Harassment by Debt Collectors: What You Can Do

Receiving constant calls from debt collectors can be overwhelming and stressful. While collectors are allowed to contact consumers regarding unpaid debts, they must follow strict legal guidelines under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

If a collector is calling you repeatedly, using aggressive language, or making threats, they may be violating your rights. In this guide, you will learn:

What qualifies as phone call harassment
How to stop debt collectors from calling
What legal actions you can take against harassment

Understanding your rights can help you take control and put an end to abusive collection tactics.

What Qualifies as Phone Call Harassment by Debt Collectors?

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must follow specific rules when contacting consumers. If a collector violates these rules, it may be considered harassment.

1. Repeated and Excessive Calls

Calling multiple times a day
Calling back immediately after you hang up
Using autodialers or robocalls to spam your phone

2. Calling at Inconvenient Hours

Contacting you before 8 AM or after 9 PM
Calling you at work when you have asked them to stop

3. Using Threatening or Abusive Language

Yelling, cursing, or insulting you
Threatening violence, harm, or legal action they cannot take
Making false claims about lawsuits or arrests

4. Calling After You Request They Stop

Continuing to contact you after you send a cease and desist letter
Ignoring your verbal or written request to stop calling

5. Contacting Friends, Family, or Employers

Informing your friends or family members about your debt
Calling your employer to embarrass you or pressure you into paying

If a debt collector engages in any of these behaviors, they may be breaking the law, and you have the right to take action.

How to Stop Debt Collectors from Harassing You with Calls

If you are being harassed by phone calls, you can take the following steps to protect yourself and stop the abuse.

1. Tell the Debt Collector to Stop Calling

You have the right to verbally request that a debt collector stop calling you. If they continue to call after your request, they are violating your rights.

2. Send a Cease and Desist Letter

To legally stop a debt collector from calling, send a written cease and desist letter via certified mail with a return receipt.

Make sure to:

Clearly state that you do not want further communication
Keep a copy of the letter and the delivery receipt

Under the FDCPA, once a collector receives this letter, they must stop calling you.

3. Request a Debt Validation Letter

Within 30 days of first contact, you can request a debt validation letter to confirm:

The amount you owe
The name of the original creditor
Proof that the debt is valid

If the debt collector fails to provide this information, they cannot continue collection efforts.

4. Block the Collector’s Number

Most smartphones allow you to block numbers to prevent further calls. You can also:

Use call-blocking apps to filter out spam calls
Contact your phone carrier to block numbers at the network level

5. Report the Harassment to Authorities

If the collector continues to harass you, file a complaint with:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Handles debt collection violations
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Investigates consumer fraud and abuse
Your State’s Attorney General – Enforces state consumer protection laws

Filing a complaint creates a legal record of the harassment and increases the chance of action being taken against the collector.

6. Keep Records of All Harassment

If you plan to take legal action, you need solid evidence to support your claim. Keep a record of:

All calls received (date, time, and number)
Voicemails and messages left by the collector
Copies of any written communication (letters, emails, or texts)

Detailed records will strengthen your case if you decide to sue the collector.

Legal Actions You Can Take Against Harassment

If the harassment does not stop, you have the right to sue the debt collector and seek compensation.

1. File a Lawsuit for FDCPA Violations

If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, you can file a lawsuit in state or federal court.

You may be entitled to:

Up to $1,000 in statutory damages for harassment
Compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and medical bills
Attorney fees (if you win, the collector must pay your legal costs)

2. Join a Class-Action Lawsuit

If multiple consumers have been harassed by the same debt collection agency, you may be able to join a class-action lawsuit and receive compensation.

3. Work with a Consumer Rights Attorney

An FDCPA attorney can help you:

Determine if you have a strong case
File the necessary legal documents
Represent you in court or settlement negotiations

Many consumer protection attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.

Final Thoughts

Debt collectors are not allowed to harass you with excessive phone calls, threats, or intimidation. If you are experiencing phone call harassment, you have the right to make it stop.

To take control, remember to: