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Debt collectors won’t stop calling: your rights

How to make a collector prove a debt, what they can’t do, how to stop the calls, old debts, and where to report abuse.

Quick answer

Debt collectors must follow federal rules. Look for the validation notice and dispute the debt in writing within 30 days; they must pause collecting until they verify it. They can’t call before 8 am or after 9 pm, harass you, lie, threaten arrest, or tell your family or boss. You can tell them in writing to stop contacting you. Report abuse to the CFPB or your state attorney general.

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Your checklist

  • Get the validation notice
  • Dispute in writing within 30 days
  • Know what collectors can’t do
  • Ask them in writing to stop contacting you
  • Check how old the debt is
  • Report abuse to the CFPB

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Make them prove it

Shortly after first contacting you, a debt collector must send a validation notice showing who the debt is for, how much, and how to dispute it. If you dispute in writing within 30 days, they must pause collecting until they send verification.

What collectors can’t do

  • Call before 8 am or after 9 pm, or at work if you’ve told them you can’t take calls there.
  • Harass you with repeated calls, use threats or lie, including threatening arrest.
  • Discuss your debt with your family, neighbors or boss (they may contact others only to find you).

Stop the calls

Tell them in writing to stop contacting you. They can still notify you of specific actions, like a lawsuit. It doesn’t erase the debt.

Old debts

Very old debts may be past your state’s time limit for lawsuits. In some states, a payment can restart the clock, so ask before you pay.

If you’re sued

Respond to court papers by the deadline. Ignoring a lawsuit can lead to a default judgment.

Report abuse

File a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general. Keep a log of calls and letters.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • CFPB debt collection sample letters
  • [your state] attorney general consumer complaint

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Do these rules apply to the original lender?

The main federal debt collection law mostly covers third-party collectors and debt buyers, not the original lender. Some states have rules that cover original lenders too. More ›

How long does a debt stay on my credit report?

Most negative items stay up to 7 years from when the account first went delinquent. More ›

How do I stop debt collectors from calling me?

Send the collector a letter telling them to stop contacting you, and keep a copy. They can still contact you to confirm they’ll stop or to tell you about specific actions like a lawsuit. More ›

What is a debt validation letter?

The notice a collector must send after first contacting you, showing who the debt is for, how much, and how to dispute it. Disputing in writing within 30 days makes them verify the debt before collecting more. More ›

Can a debt collector call me at work?

Not if you tell them your employer doesn’t allow it. Say so, and put it in writing. More ›

Can debt collectors take money from my bank account?

Not on their own. They usually need to sue you and win a court judgment first. Some money, like Social Security benefits, has extra protection. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.