Collection calls can make you dread answering your phone. The constant badgering disrupts your life and adds stress at the exact moment you need peace of mind. I’ve been there – calls morning, noon and night, even on weekends. It took time, but I figured out how to stop collection calls and regain control. If relentless collectors are driving you crazy, here’s what worked for me.

Why They Keep Calling

Collection agencies have one job – get you to pay delinquent debts. They’ll call repeatedly hoping to wear you down. The more overdue the account, the more frequent the calls.

I used to get furious and think “Stop harassing me!” But calling is their job. Once an original creditor gives up collecting, they sell the debt for pennies on the dollar to a collection agency. These companies then hound you hoping to get a fraction of the balance.

Collectors get paid on commission. The more they recover, the fatter their paychecks. So they call and call, trying different strategies to get you on the phone and agree to pay something, anything. But you do have rights.

Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law governing third-party debt collectors. It aims to eliminate abusive collection tactics without prohibiting reasonable collection activities.

Key rights under the FDCPA include:

– Collectors can only call between 8 am and 9 pm in your local time zone, unless you agree otherwise.

– Collectors must identify themselves immediately on each call. 

– If you tell a collector to stop calling, they can only make further contact via mail or to notify you of specific actions, like filing a lawsuit.

– Collectors cannot harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact.

– Collectors cannot lie or misrepresent themselves or the amount you owe.

– Collectors cannot threaten violence, publish your name on a “shame list”, or threaten legal action that they do not intend to take.

– You can demand that collectors cease contact and deal only with your attorney.

– Collectors must honor written requests to cease communications.

Knowing your rights gives you power when dealing with collection agencies. Be firm and reiterate that you want calls stopped if a collector crosses the line.

How to Stop Collection Calls at Home

If you are receiving frequent collection calls to your landline or cell phone, there are steps you can take to reduce or stop the calls altogether:

Ask collectors to stop calling. Per the FDCPA, you can request that collections agencies stop calling you. Request no further calls in writing via certified mail and keep records. They may still call once or twice more to confirm, but must legally honor do-not-call requests.

Block the numbers. Many phone providers let you block specific numbers. Maintain a list of collector numbers and block them from being able to call you. Check your account frequently for new numbers and block those too.

Use call screening. On smartphones, use call screening or call blocking features to prevent unknown callers and robocalls from interrupting you. The Hiya app and Robokiller are two popular options.

Let calls go to voicemail. Collectors often call repeatedly in hopes of reaching you live. Let all calls from unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail to review later. Legitimate callers will leave a message.  

Consider a new number. In extreme cases of frequent collection calls, changing your phone number altogether can provide relief. Use it only for family and close friends to avoid collections finding it again.

Use auto-reply apps. “Auto reply” or “call bot” apps can answer calls and play a recorded message asking collectors to email you instead of calling. This may deter future calls.

The key is evaluating why collectors are calling and taking control of the situation. Polite but firm requests to cease calling are often effective.

How to Stop Collection Calls at Work 

Getting collection calls at your workplace can be embarrassing and may even threaten your employment. Under the FDCPA, collectors technically can call your workplace unless you tell them otherwise. Here are tips to stop collections calls on the job:

Inform collectors it is a workplace. Immediately upon answering a collection call at work, say “This is my workplace. Do not call back here.” Hang up if needed.

Send a cease communication notice. To legally prohibit calls to your workplace, send collectors a cease communication letter via certified mail demanding they no longer call you there. Keep a dated copy. 

Notify your employer. Kindly explain the situation to your boss or HR department and say you are acting to resolve the issue. Assure them calls will stop soon.

Block the numbers. Coordinate with your phone system administrators to block outbound calls from collections agencies’ numbers. Also block their emails.

Change your work number. In some cases, your employer may agree to change your work phone extension to halt collections calls. Use the new number only for internal communications.

Be polite but firm with collectors, saying “I am at work right now. Do not call me here again.” Hanging up on unwanted calls also sends a clear message.

What to Do If Calls Persist

If collectors continue to call frequently after you have asked them to stop, they are violating the FDCPA. Here are your options if the calls persist:

Issue a cease and desist order. A cease and desist letter from an attorney carries more weight legally and collectors face penalties for disregarding it. The letter should be your last resort before filing an FDCPA lawsuit.

File FDCPA complaints. The FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau both accept and investigate FDCPA violation complaints against collectors. This creates a formal record of the problem.

Sue for damages. With evidence of FDCPA violations, you can sue collectors in state or federal court for up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus any actual damages. Many attorneys handle FDCPA cases based on fee awards.

Call the police. If collectors threaten you or refuse to stop calling after repeated requests, call the police non-emergency line to report telephone harassment. Ask for a report to document the problem.

You have options to enforce your rights and make excessive collections calls stop through legal and regulatory channels. If all else fails, consult with an attorney about next steps. The situation should not persist indefinitely.

Conclusion

Getting frequent collection calls at home or work can be frustrating. While collectors have a right to contact you about legitmate debts, federal law also protects consumers from excessive harassment. 

Know your rights under the FDCPA. Be firm and consistent in demanding that collectors cease contact via phone calls to your home and workplace. Follow up in writing, document all contacts, and be prepared to threaten or file legal action if calls continue.

With the right approach, you can stop invasive collection calls and regain control. You can then work to resolve the underlying debt issue on your own terms. No longer living in fear of the next call can provide great relief.