Debt collectors are allowed to contact you about money you owe — but they are not allowed to harass, threaten, or lie to you. If a debt collector crosses the line, you have rights, and you can take action.
Here’s exactly how to recognize illegal behavior — and how to report it if a debt collector is violating the law.
Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects you from abusive, deceptive, or unfair debt collection practices.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:
- Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (your local time)
- Call you at work after you’ve told them not to
- Use threats, abusive language, or harassment
- Lie about what you owe or pretend to be a government official
- Keep contacting you after you’ve asked them in writing to stop
- Discuss your debt with family, friends, or coworkers
They must:
- Tell you the name of the creditor and the amount you owe
- Send you a written notice of the debt within 5 days of first contact
- Give you 30 days to dispute the debt
If they break these rules — they’re violating federal law.
Step 1: Document Everything
Before filing a complaint, keep clear records of the violation:
- Save voicemails, letters, and emails
- Take screenshots or notes of call times and what was said
- Record calls (if legal in your state)
- Keep a written log of each interaction
Having proof will strengthen your complaint — and protect you if things escalate.
Step 2: Tell Them to Stop (in Writing)
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request a debt collector stop contacting you. Write a “cease and desist” letter stating:
“I am requesting that you stop all communication with me regarding this debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am exercising my right to cease contact.”
Send it by certified mail with return receipt and keep a copy for your records. They’re legally required to stop — with very few exceptions.
Step 3: Report the Violation
If the collector continues illegal behavior, report them to:
1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint
✅ File online in minutes
✅ CFPB forwards your complaint to the company and demands a response
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
✅ Helps build enforcement cases against repeat offenders
3. Your State Attorney General
Look up your AG’s office here: https://www.naag.org
✅ Some states have stronger protections and may take direct legal action
4. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
https://www.bbb.org
✅ Public record of your complaint
✅ May help resolve smaller collection agency issues
Step 4: Consider Talking to a Consumer Rights Attorney
If the debt collector’s actions caused you harm — like emotional distress, lost wages, or credit damage — you may be able to sue them.
You can:
- Search for consumer protection lawyers in your area
- Contact the National Association of Consumer Advocates (naca.net)
- Some lawyers take FDCPA cases with no upfront cost, as the law allows you to recover legal fees
You Don’t Have to Tolerate Abuse
You have rights — and if a debt collector violates those rights, they can and should be held accountable. Reporting them protects not just you, but others dealing with the same harassment.
Need a cease and desist template or help finding your state attorney general’s office? Let us know and we’ll link you up.