When debt collectors call you regarding debts, they believe you owe — even if they’re mistaken that you owe money or you can’t pay the debt — it could be a good idea to speak with them once. This can help determine whether the issue is resolvable. It will also give you the opportunity to ask the agency its name and mailing address.
If you don’t want to speak with the debt collector again, it’s easy enough to send them a notice in writing telling them to stop contacting you.
How to send a written request to stop debt collector from contacting you:
Write the letter, saying that you hereby request the named debt collector stop contacting you and sign it. Copy the letter, then send it to the debt collector’s address via certified mail. Pay the extra cost for the “return receipt.” When the debt collector gets your letter, you’ll have legal proof that your letter was received, and the debt collector may not contact you anymore
There are two exceptions that allow a debt collector to contact you after completing the above procedure:
- The debt collector can call to confirm that it will not be contacting you anymore.
- They can also call to notify you that they will be taking specific action against you, such as filing a lawsuit.
If a debt collector is harassing you even after you’ve sent a written request to stop, you may be able to protect your legal rights in court under the protections of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). A Minnesota consumer rights attorney may be able to help you with this.
