How do I stop debt collection calls?

Under the FDCPA you can send a written cease-and-desist letter to the collection agency; once they receive it, they may only contact you to confirm they're stopping or to notify you of a specific action like filing a lawsuit. This doesn't erase the debt, but it ends the calls.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to demand that a third-party debt collector stop contacting you — in writing. This is called a cease-and-desist request. It does not cancel the debt or prevent a lawsuit, but it does legally require the collector to halt most contact. The CFPB explains this right in detail.

What a cease-and-desist letter does (and doesn't do)

Once received, the collector may only contact you one more time: to confirm they're stopping or to notify you they're taking a specific legal action (such as filing a lawsuit).
It does NOT eliminate the debt — the obligation still exists and can still be collected through legal channels.
It does NOT stop a lawsuit — a collector who intends to sue can still file in court after acknowledging your request.
It does NOT stop the original creditor — the FDCPA covers third-party collectors, not the original lender contacting you directly.

How to send the letter

Write a brief letter stating: 'I am writing to request that you cease all further communication with me regarding [account name/number]. This is a formal request under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c).'
Include your name, address, and the account or debt referenced.
Send via certified mail, return receipt requested — this creates proof of delivery with a date.
Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt.
Do not include payment or promise to pay in the same letter.

Before you send: weigh the consequences

A cease-and-desist letter may prompt a collector to escalate — if they intend to sue, stopping calls doesn't stop litigation. If the debt is valid, consider whether you want to negotiate a resolution before cutting off communication entirely. See how-to-deal-with-debt-collectors for the full approach before defaulting to a cease request.

Additional FDCPA call restrictions (even without a letter)

Collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your local time.
If you tell a collector verbally that you are represented by an attorney, they must contact your attorney instead of you.
If you tell them calling at work is inconvenient or that your employer prohibits it, they must stop calling your workplace.
Collectors cannot call repeatedly to harass — the CFPB's rules set limits on call frequency.

FDCPA rules on collector contact

Under FDCPA § 805(c), if a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing to cease communication, the collector may only contact the consumer once more — to confirm it will stop or to notify the consumer of a specific action it intends to take. — CFPB — Debt Collection
The CFPB's 2021 debt collection rules limit collectors to no more than seven calls per week per debt to a consumer, and prohibit calling within seven days of a conversation about the debt. — CFPB — Debt Collection Rule
The FTC notes that sending a cease-and-desist letter does not prevent a collector from suing you — it only stops most forms of communication. — FTC — Debt Collection FAQs

Key takeaways

Send a written cease-and-desist to the collection agency via certified mail — that creates a legal record of delivery.
After receiving it, the collector can only contact you once more: to confirm they're stopping or to announce specific legal action.
A cease request stops calls but not lawsuits — if the debt is valid, consider negotiating before cutting off contact.
Even without a letter, collectors can't call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or harass you with repeated calls.
Report violations to the CFPB and FTC — you may have grounds to sue for actual damages plus up to $1,000.