Debt Collectors Calling You at Work? Here’s What To Do
Debt collectors can call you at work, but you have the legal right to make them stop. Tell them your employer doesn't allow personal calls, follow up with a written cease and desist letter, and report violations if they continue calling after your request.
Stop Collectors NowDebt collectors can call you at work. But they must stop once you tell them to.
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from harassment. You have the right to tell collectors to stop calling your workplace. Once you do, they must comply with your request.
Facing a Debt Lawsuit From Collectors?
Don't let debt collectors win by default. Respond to the lawsuit properly and protect your rights. Over 280,000 people have used our partner Solo to fight back.
Respond to LawsuitYou can stop these calls in three simple steps. Send a written notice for extra protection. Keep records of everything. Know your rights so you can take action.
Can Debt Collectors Legally Call Your Workplace?
Yes, debt collectors can call you at work initially. But the FDCPA gives you the power to stop these calls.
When you receive a debt collection call at work, speak clearly. Tell the collector your employer doesn’t allow personal calls. Ask them not to contact you there again.
Follow up with a cease and desist letter. Phone conversations are hard to prove later. Written proof protects you if the collector breaks the law.
Keep a copy of your letter. Send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. You’ll have proof they received your request.
If collectors keep calling after you’ve told them to stop, they’re breaking federal law. You can sue them for damages. You may recover up to $1,000 plus attorney fees.
What About Original Creditors?
Original creditors can also call you at work. But different rules apply to them.
The original creditor is who you first owed money to. A credit card company, hospital, or bank are examples. Third-party debt collectors work for collection agencies.
Original creditors aren’t covered by the FDCPA. But you can still ask them to stop calling your workplace. The Federal Trade Commission Act protects you from harassment.
File a complaint with the FTC if an original creditor harasses you. You can’t sue them directly under the FDCPA. But reporting them can still help stop the behavior.
How To Stop Debt Collectors From Calling Work: 3 Steps
You have legal rights under federal law. Use these three steps to end workplace collection calls.
Step 1: Tell Them To Stop Calling
Answer the next call from a debt collector at work. State clearly that your employer doesn’t allow personal calls. Tell them not to contact you at work again.
Your verbal request should stop the calls. But don’t rely on words alone. Get your request in writing.
Step 2: Send a Cease and Desist Letter
Put your request in writing immediately. A cease and desist letter protects your legal rights.
Draft a letter that includes specific details. State that your employer prohibits personal calls at work. Request that all workplace contact stop immediately.
Send your letter via certified mail. Request a return receipt. Keep copies of everything for your records.
Written documentation proves you made the request. You’ll need this proof if the collector violates the law.
Step 3: Report Violations
Debt collectors who ignore your request are breaking federal law. You can take action against them.
File complaints with these government agencies:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Your state attorney general’s office at naag.org/find-my-ag/
Consider suing the debt collector if harassment continues. You may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, attorney fees, and court costs.
Document every violation. Save voicemails, note call times, and keep all correspondence. Strong evidence helps your case.
Illegal Debt Collection Tactics You Should Know
Debt collectors use aggressive tactics to collect unpaid debts. Some methods are legal. Others violate federal law.
The FDCPA prohibits third-party debt collectors from:
- Publicizing your debt. Collectors can’t visit your workplace. Doing so alerts your coworkers about your debt.
- Calling at certain times. They can’t call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time.
- Contacting you after you’ve requested they stop. Once you send a written notice, most contact must cease.
- Harassing you. Harassment includes repeated calls, offensive language, public disclosure of debt, and violent threats.
- Trying to collect debt you don’t owe. Collectors must prove you owe the debt and the amount is correct.
- Threatening arrest. You can’t be arrested for debt. But ignoring a court summons can lead to arrest.
Know these protections. Recognize violations when they happen. Take action to defend your rights.
What Debt Collectors Can Legally Do
Understanding legal collection tactics helps you prepare. Debt collectors have many lawful options available.
They can contact you through multiple channels. Collectors can call daily, send letters, and reach you on social media. They can’t lie or threaten you illegally. But they can mention potential lawsuits if they plan to sue.
They can attempt to collect expired debts. Most consumer debts have a statute of limitations. After this period expires, collectors can’t sue you. But they can still try to collect the debt. They may call and send letters hoping you’ll pay.
They can sue you to collect. Debt collectors can file lawsuits against you. If you get sued, respond to the lawsuit immediately. Show up to all hearings. The collector must prove you owe the debt.
If you lose a lawsuit, consequences can be severe. The court may order wage garnishment or bank levies. Your paycheck gets reduced. Your bank account gets frozen.
Need help responding to a debt lawsuit? Our partner Solo helps you draft and file a proper response. They’ve helped over 280,000 people fight debt lawsuits.
They can sell your debt. If one collector fails to collect, they may sell your debt. Another collector will then contact you. Always request a debt validation letter. Verify the debt before making any payment.
They can report to credit bureaus. Unpaid debts appear on your credit report. Your credit score drops. Before reporting to credit agencies, collectors must contact you about the debt first.
What To Do If You Can’t Pay the Debt
Stopping collection calls reduces stress. But it doesn’t eliminate your debt. The debt still exists.
Remember that blocking contact might push collectors toward filing a lawsuit. You need a real solution to resolve the debt.
Several debt relief options can help you:
Credit counseling provides free guidance. Nonprofit counselors review your budget and debt. They help you choose the right debt relief strategy. Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling can create a debt management plan with lower interest rates.
Debt settlement lets you negotiate directly with collectors. You may settle for less than you owe. Get any agreement in writing before paying.
Bankruptcy offers a fresh start when debt becomes overwhelming. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan.
Once you file bankruptcy, collection calls stop immediately. The automatic stay protects you from collection activities. Creditors must leave you alone.
Bankruptcy has pros and cons. Research your options carefully. Consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney if debt feels impossible to manage.