How to Report a Debt Collector for Violating the Law

May 3, 2025 admin Bad credit or No Credit, Credit Repair, Debt Management, Personal Finance, Repayment Strategies

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.