First, understand who’s contacting you.

A debt collector and a telemarketer selling a service are different. This guide focuses on collectors seeking payment of a consumer debt. Ask for the caller’s name, company, mailing address, creditor, and claimed amount. Verify the company independently before sharing sensitive information or paying.

The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act generally covers third-party collectors collecting personal, family, or household debts. It generally doesn't cover business debts or an original creditor collecting its own debt. State laws can offer additional protections.

Source: CFPB: laws governing debt collectors ↗

When can a collector call?

Collectors generally can't call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your local time, or at a time or place they know is inconvenient. Tell them if personal calls are prohibited at work.

Federal rules generally presume a violation if a collector calls about a particular debt more than seven times in seven consecutive days, or calls within seven days after a phone conversation about that debt. Exceptions apply. This isn't a blanket allowance for seven calls: a harassing pattern can still violate the rules below that number.

Source: CFPB: call timing and frequency ↗

Can I ask them to stop?

You can send a written request to stop communication. Keep a copy and delivery records. After receiving it, a collector may still contact you to confirm contact will end or notify you of certain legally permitted actions. Stopping contact doesn't cancel a debt or prevent a lawful lawsuit. You can also ask a collector to stop using a particular communication channel, such as text or email.

Source: CFPB: stopping collector contact ↗

Ask for the information. Watch the deadline.

Collectors generally must provide validation information at first contact or within five days. Read the notice for the creditor, amount, and dispute deadline. If you dispute in writing within the 30-day validation period, the collector generally must pause collection of the disputed amount until verification is provided. This doesn't automatically erase the debt or remove it from a report.

Keep notices, envelopes, messages, and a log of dates, times, names, and what was said. Before recording a call, check applicable recording-consent laws.

Source: CFPB: responding to a collector and free sample letters ↗

Recognize pressure and scam warning signs.

Threats of arrest for an ordinary unpaid consumer debt, demands for gift cards, or refusal to identify the debt are warning signs. Collectors can't lawfully use harassment or deception. Verify independently; caller ID alone doesn't prove identity.

A court summons needs a separate, timely response. A complaint or stop-contact letter doesn't replace answering a lawsuit. For old debts, seek legal guidance before paying or acknowledging the debt because state rules vary.

Source: FTC: debt collection FAQs ↗

Where to go next

General U.S. consumer education, not legal advice or representation. Reviewed October 26, 2026. Check the linked agencies for current guidance and your state’s rules.