How To Stop Credit Card Collection Calls (4 Tips You Should Know)

To stop credit card collection calls means to end the constant harassment from creditors and collection agencies who are trying to collect on a debt.

You might be behind in payments. You might owe a lot of money. You might not be able to make even minimum payments each month.

But that doesn’t mean you should be subjected to relentless phone calls and threats. By knowing your rights and taking action, you can finally put an end to these stressful and often intimidating calls.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), creditors and collection agencies are prohibited from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when trying to collect a debt.
• You have the right to request that a creditor or collection agency stop calling you by sending a written cease and desist letter.
• If the calls continue after receiving your letter, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s attorney general’s office.
• Consider seeking legal assistance if you are facing extreme harassment or threats from collection agencies.

How Credit Card Collection Calls Work

Before we cover the tips for stopping credit card collection calls, it’s important to understand how these calls work. 

When you owe money on a credit card, the creditor or lender may try to collect the debt themselves or hire a third-party collection agency to do so.

Typically, creditors will first attempt to contact you through mail and phone calls to collect the debt. These calls can become more frequent and aggressive if you continue to miss payments or ignore their attempts to reach you.

Collection agencies are hired by creditors to collect the debt on their behalf. They may use tactics such as repeated phone calls, threatening language, and reporting the debt to credit bureaus in order to pressure you into paying.

Scary stuff, I know. Especially if you are honestly trying to pay off your debt but are struggling financially. 

But don’t worry, there are ways to protect yourself from these aggressive collection practices. Let’s explore four tips that can help you stop these calls and protect your rights as a consumer.

TIP #1 – Stop Credit Card Collection Calls With Cease And Desist Letters

A cease and desist letter is a written request that asks collection agencies to stop contacting you about the debt. 

This letter can be sent once you have received multiple phone calls from a collection agency, or if they are using aggressive tactics such as threats or harassment.

To write a cease and desist letter, include your name, address, and account number (if available). State that you are aware of the debt and acknowledge your responsibility to pay it back. 

However, explain that you do not wish to be contacted by phone or mail regarding the debt.

Make sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records and send it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. 

Once the agency receives your letter, they are legally required to stop all attempts to contact you. An attorney can also help you draft a more formal cease and desist letter and assist with any further legal action if necessary.

TIP #2 – Stop Credit Card Collection Calls With The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive and deceptive collection practices. Under this law, collection agencies are prohibited from using tactics such as:

• Calling you before 8 am or after 9 pm
• Contacting you at work if they know your employer does not allow personal calls
• Using threats, obscene language, or harassing behavior
• Calling you after you have requested in writing for them to stop contacting you

If a collection agency violates any of these rules, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s Attorney General’s office. You may also be eligible to take legal action against the agency and seek damages.

TIP #3 – Additional Legal Options For Credit Card Debt Collection

Aside from the FDCPA, there are other legal options available if you are struggling with credit card debt and being contacted by collection agencies. These include the following…

Statute of limitations: Each state has a specific time limit for how long a creditor can legally pursue payment on a debt. Once this time period expires, the debt becomes uncollectible. Make sure to check the statute of limitations for your state before making any payments or agreements with a collection agency.

Bankruptcy: If you are unable to repay your credit card debt, filing for bankruptcy may be an option. This can help stop collection calls and potentially eliminate some or all of your debt.

Debt settlement: Negotiating a settlement with the collection agency may be an option if you are unable to pay the full amount owed. This involves agreeing to a lower payment amount in exchange for the debt being considered paid in full.

TIP #4 – Stop Credit Card Collection Calls By Paying Off Your Debt

The most effective way to stop collection calls related to credit card debt is by paying off the debt in full. 

This might seem obvious but it’s often the most difficult option for those struggling financially. If you are able to pay off the debt, collection agencies will no longer have a reason to contact you.

If paying off the debt in full is not possible, making regular payments towards the balance can also help reduce and eventually stop collection calls. 

This shows that you are making an effort to repay the debt, making it less likely for collection agencies to pursue legal action against you.

If you are looking for a strategy to reduce the interest rates so that you can have more income going into paying down the principle rather than just paying the interest, a debt consolidation loan may be an option worth exploring.

At Americor, we understand the importance of managing your finances wisely. 

As America’s trusted source for debt relief solutions, we aim to empower you with financial knowledge that can lead to informed decisions, whether it’s about savings, investments, or managing debt.

If your debt has become unmanageable and you have difficulty making your debt payments each month, then you should consider a free consultation call with one of our certified Debt Consultants, who can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.

By taking proactive steps today, you can put an end to your financial stress and work towards a brighter financial future. 

Remember, there is always hope for debt relief, and our team of experienced professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to regaining control of your finances.

For more information on Americor’s debt relief services, contact us today to see how we can help you eliminate your debts, and get on the fast-track to becoming completely debt-free!