// debt collector response — cease contact
"Stop Contacting Me"
Use this letter to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. Under federal law (FDCPA), a debt collector must stop contacting you after receiving a written request to stop. They can still contact you to say they won't contact you again, or to notify you that the creditor or debt collector could take other action (such as filing a lawsuit). Stopping contact does not cancel the debt.
[YOUR NAME] [YOUR RETURN ADDRESS] [DATE] [DEBT COLLECTOR NAME] [DEBT COLLECTOR ADDRESS] Re: [ACCOUNT NUMBER FOR THE DEBT, IF YOU HAVE IT] Dear debt collector, I am responding to your contact about a debt you are attempting to collect. You contacted me by [PHONE/MAIL], on [DATE]. You identified the debt as [ANY INFORMATION THEY GAVE YOU ABOUT THE DEBT]. Please stop all communication with me and with this address about this debt. Record that I dispute having any obligation for this debt. If you stop collection of this debt, and forward or return it to another company, please indicate to them that it is disputed. If you report it to a credit bureau (or have already done so), also report that the debt is disputed. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]
Sending instructions
- Fill in your information on the template and edit as needed
- Delete the paragraph about disputing the debt if you don't dispute it
- Print and send the letter — keep a copy for your records
- Send via certified mail with return receipt
- Under federal law, the collector must stop contacting you after receiving this letter
- The collector can still contact you to confirm they will stop, or to notify you of legal action
- Stopping contact does not cancel the debt — you could still be sued
- You can ask a collector to stop at any time, but consider requesting information first