Use this 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.” You can use this phrase over the phone, in an email or letter, or both.
Your letter should identify each item you dispute, state the facts, explain why you dispute the information, and ask that the business that supplied the information take action to have it removed or corrected. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the item(s) in question circled.
Dear Sir/Madam: I am writing in regards to the above-referenced debt to inform you that I am disputing this debt. Please verify the debt as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. I am disputing this debt because I do not owe it.
``TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This letter serves to inform you that I dispute the validity of this debt. I expect, as a result of my informing you of this dispute, that I will be mailed a copy of verification of this debt. I also request that you provide the name and address of the original creditor.
"This debt belongs to me." You should never acknowledge ownership of a debt during initial contact with a collector. While it may seem like a valid debt, it's important to verify that the debt is actually yours and that the debt is still legally collectible.
Have an attorney write a letter for you, demanding removal of the account. This often works even for unpaid collections. File a CFPB complaint against the collector, and demand more information about the account, through that complaint. This can be a very effective tactic.
If you are writing the letter yourself, you should include the following information: Your name and contact information. Name and contact information of the person or business being asked to stop the behavior. Specifics about the activity you wish them to stop.
You can serve it via mail, email, an attorney and, in some cases, in person. However you choose to serve the letter, keep a record of delivery and receipt by the offending party. If you are sending the cease-and-desist letter yourself, send it via certified mail so that you have a record of delivery.
DEBT COLLECTORS CANNOT: contact you at unreasonable places or times (such as before AM or after PM local time); use or threaten to use violence or criminal means to harm you, your reputation or your property; use obscene or profane language;
How do I stop a debt collector from contacting me? Mail a letter to the collection company and ask it to stop contacting you. Keep a copy for yourself. Consider sending the letter by certified mail and paying for a “return receipt.”