How to Deal with Repeated Calls from a Debt Collector After You’ve Asked Them to Stop

Dealing with debt collection calls can be stressful, especially when they just won’t stop—even after you’ve told them to. If a debt collector keeps reaching out despite your request, you have rights that can protect you. Let’s break down exactly what you can do to get them to back off and regain some peace of mind.

Understanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

First, let’s talk about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—the law that sets the rules for how collection agencies can and can’t operate. This law makes it illegal for debt collectors to harass, threaten, or repeatedly contact you after you’ve asked them to stop.

That said, just because it’s illegal doesn’t mean all debt collectors follow the rules. Some will still try to test the waters, hoping you don’t know your rights. But here’s the good news: you do have options.

It’s also important to know that stopping the calls doesn’t mean your debt disappears. You may still need to deal with the balance, but at least you won’t have to endure non-stop harassment while doing so.

Steps to Stop a Debt Collector from Calling You

If a debt collector refuses to stop calling, here’s what you can do:

1. Send a Cease and Desist Letter

Debt collectors must stop contacting you if you send them a written request. To make it official:

• Write a certified mail letter stating that you no longer wish to be contacted.
• Include your name, the account number, and a direct request to stop communication.
• Request a return receipt so you have proof they received your letter.

Using key phrases to stop debt collectors, like “I am requesting that you cease all communication regarding this debt under the FDCPA,” makes it clear that you know your rights.

2. Know When Debt Collectors Are Crossing the Line

Under the FDCPA, a collection agency can’t:

• Call you at work if your employer doesn’t allow it.
• Call you at odd hours (before 8 AM or after 9 PM).
• Contact your family, friends, or employer about your credit card debt (except to confirm your location).
• Use threats, insults, or abusive language.

If a debt collector is violating these rules, document every single instance—you may need this information later.

3. Dispute the Debt if You Believe It’s Wrong

If you don’t owe the debt or believe there’s an error, you have the right to dispute it. Here’s how:

• Send a debt dispute letter within 30 days of their first contact.
• The debt collector must stop trying to collect until they verify the debt.

If they can’t prove that you owe the money and they keep calling? They’re breaking the law.

What to Do If the Calls Continue

Even after you send a cease and desist letter, some debt collectors will still push their luck. If that happens, take these steps:

1. Report Them for Violating the Law

If they won’t stop, report them to:

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Your state attorney general’s office

Mississippi has strong laws to protect against debt collection harassment, and authorities take violations seriously.

2. Check Your Credit Report

Some debt collection agencies will add negative marks to your credit report even if the debt is disputed. If this happens:

• File a dispute with the credit reporting company.
• Demand proof from the original creditor.
• If they can’t verify the debt, insist that it be removed from your credit report.

3. Consider Legal Action

If a debt collector refuses to follow the rules, you may be able to sue them under the FDCPA. Here’s what to do:

• Keep copies of all letters and emails you send them.
• Log every phone call, including the time, date, and details of the conversation.
• Contact our consumer protection attorneys at Ware Law Firm in Magee, MS for a free consultation about your rights and potential compensation under federal law.

Our experienced consumer protection attorneys at Ware Law Firm in Magee, MS have successfully held collection agencies accountable for years. Call us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you fight back against illegal collection practices and potentially recover damages.

Know Your Rights When a Debt Collector Contacts You

When debt collectors call, knowing your legal protections can be the difference between being harassed and taking control of the situation.

Here’s what you need to know:

• A collector may call only once per week per particular debt.
• If a debt doesn’t belong to you, you can dispute the debt within 30 days.
• Some debt collectors are breaking the law by placing repeated calls if they call more than seven times within a seven-day period.

Don’t be intimidated by aggressive collection tactics—these legal limits exist for your protection and can be enforced. If a collector violates these boundaries, document every interaction and contact our office immediately to discuss your rights to potential damages under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Don’t Be Pushed Around—Contact Our Mississippi Debt Collection Harassment Lawyers Now

Dealing with relentless debt collectors is frustrating, but you don’t have to put up with it. Whether you need to stop trying to collect the debt, dispute a debt within 30 days, or demand that a collector must stop contacting you, knowing your rights makes all the difference.

If you’re tired of dealing with repeated or continuous telephone calls from debt collectors in Mississippi, don’t fight this battle alone. Contact Ware Law Firm, PLLC, and let us help you take control of the situation once and for all.