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Sending a Cease Debt Collection Communication Letter

 

If you ever feel overwhelmed by debt collectors, you have the right to ask them to stop contacting you. You can send them a letter to request this, and they must respect your wishes.

 
If you’re not sure what to say or how to send it, look at the sample letter below:
 
[Date]
[Your name]
[Your return address]
[Debt collector name] [Debt collector Address]
 
Re: [Account number for the debt, if you have it]
 
Dear [Debt collector name],
 
I am responding to your contact about a debt you are attempting to collect. You contacted me by [phone/mail], on [date]. You identified the debt as [any information they gave you about the debt].
 
Please stop all communication with me and with this address about this debt.
 
[If you dispute the debt, include the following:] Record that I dispute having any obligation for this debt. If you forward or return this debt to another company, please indicate to them that it is disputed. If you report it to a credit bureau (or have already done so), also report that the debt is disputed.
 
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Sincerely,
 
[Your name]
 
To find sample letters that better fit your situation, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-do-when-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-en-1695.
 
Once you print and sign your letter, visit your local post office and request a “Return Receipt” when sending your letter. It confirms delivery with the recipient’s signature. While it may cost a bit more, ensuring the collector received your letter is important for two key reasons:

  • If you know they received your letter, you know they are required by federal law to stop contacting you.
  • Also, if this ever became a debt collection case in court, you can use the receipt in your trial.

Keep a copy of the letter for your records in case you need it later!
 
Once the collector receives your letter, they can only reach out again if they’re moving forward with legal actions like a lawsuit. Just a quick note: your original creditor can still contact you. Remember, sending that letter doesn’t erase your debt, so it’s important to keep up with your payments. And if you ever get a letter about a lawsuit, be sure to take it seriously and don’t ignore it!
 
For help about how to deal with debt and debt collectors, see below.
 

Resources

 
Updated on December 3, 2024
 

Related Categories: Financial and Tax Resources