11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors

Constant phone calls, texts, and emails from debt collectors can be overwhelming, stressful, and scary. Their aggressive tactics can make you feel trapped, but there is a way to stop them. With an 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors, you can end the harassment.

While this phrase doesn’t eliminate the debt you owe, it can end unwanted contact and endless phone calls, allowing you to think clearly about how to satisfy the debt.

The 11 Words to Say to Debt Collectors

So, what are the magic words to say to debt collectors that stop them in their tracks?

“Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.”

They don’t have to read into what you’re saying; it’s simple: Please stop calling, texting, emailing, or mailing me about my debt. You can use this phrase to stop debt collectors, whether they call outside of the legally allowed hours, use abusive language, or just don’t want to be bothered with the phone calls.

Here’s the good news. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires debt collectors to honor your request. However, the Act only pertains if you provide the request in writing as a cease and desist letter.

You can use a template to write the letter or create it yourself. In the letter, you must request that the named creditor stop contacting you using your chosen method. You can request that they don’t contact you at all, only contact you at home, or only communicate via written documentation, whichever you prefer.

What This Phrase Does and Doesn’t Do

While the 11 words you can say to a debt collection agency stop communication, they are not a magic wand; they don’t make your debt disappear.

If you legitimately owe money, the creditors can take legal action. This includes but isn’t limited to, suing you for payment. So, while the phrase reduces the harassment, it doesn’t erase the fact that you owe money (if you do).

Keep in mind that if you ask the creditor to cease communication, you won’t know what next steps they are taking. Each state has a specific statute of limitations or amount of time they can try to collect from you. Check with your state’s attorney general to determine that timeframe so you know how to proceed. If the creditor takes further action, you may not know until you receive a court summons.

Can You Stop Debt Collectors from Getting Payment?

There is only one way to stop debt collectors from getting payment: if you can prove you don’t owe it. Within five days of their first attempt at contacting you, a creditor must provide a written debt validation letter. The information provided includes:

• Name of the original creditor
• Amount of the original debt
• Itemization of fees and interest
• Proof of any payments made
• Contact information for the debt collectors

After receiving written verification, you have 30 days to dispute the debt if you don’t think you owe it or already paid it. You must respond to the collection agency in writing and provide proof of your claim. The collection agency cannot contact you for 30 days about the debt while they conduct their investigation.

If the debt collectors verify the debt is legitimate, they can’t contact you if you request them not to, but they can continue with their collection practices.

What to Do if You Owe the Debt

If you determine the debt collector calls were for a valid reason and you owe the debt, you can take several steps.

1. Negotiate a payment plan or settlement: If you determine you owe the collection the debt collectors contacted you about, consider negotiating a settlement if you can afford it or requesting a payment plan. Many collection agencies will work with you to get the account paid.
2. Consolidate debt: If you have multiple collection accounts or major debts, a debt relief company may help negotiate the debt. They may also help you create a plan to pay the debt off. The downside is you make payments to them, not to the creditors, and there are many scams out there, so you have to be careful.
3. Try a credit counselor: Many non-profit agencies offer credit counseling for free or a small charge. These counseling sessions help you create a debt payoff plan and get your budget on track. Credit counselors may also help you improve your credit score for future credit needs.
4. File bankruptcy: If you can’t make good on your debts, you may have to file bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy washes out your debts in exchange for any assets you have (minus your house or car in some situations). A Chapter 13 BK creates a repayment plan for your debts.

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Should you Ignore Debt Collectors?

You should never ignore debt collectors; it only makes the situation worse. While asking them to stop calling is acceptable, you shouldn’t ignore why the calls began. For example, if a debt collector sues you and you don’t respond to the suit, they could win by default. This could result in the court garnishing your wages or seizing other assets.

What’s the Best Way to Communicate With a Debt Collector?

Whether you request that a debt collector stop calling or want more information about the collection, communicating in writing is always the best option. Keeping a copy of the written communication can easily prove what you sent, when, and what you requested. If a debt collector violates the Fair Debt Collection practices, you can report them to your state’s Attorney General.

Final Thoughts

Using the 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors provides you with some peace, but it doesn’t erase the debt. If you receive many collection calls, it’s a sign that you need to take the necessary steps to erase the debt.

This can seem scary, especially if you don’t have the extra money to handle the debt, but there are ways to get help. If you are tired of debt collector harassment, consider an auto title loan. It uses your car’s equity to give you the capital to satisfy your debt and stop collection calls. 

Apply online today to see if you qualify. You’ll receive a free, no-obligation quote that you can use to determine if it’s the best way to handle your outstanding collections, credit card debt, or any other type of debt leading to debt collector harassment.