When collectors call over and over, it can feel invasive, and sometimes, it crosses the line into harassment. This post breaks down how often they’re legally allowed to contact you, what rules apply and how to make the calls stop.
Multiple calls in a day may be illegal harassment
Debt collectors break the law when they call repeatedly to pressure, upset or wear you down. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors can’t place multiple calls with the intent to harass, even if you don’t answer. If you’re getting several calls a day about the same debt, that pattern alone may violate federal law, especially if you’ve already told them to stop.
Collectors must follow time and frequency rules
Collectors can only call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. your time, and the law sets a hard limit: no more than seven calls in a week about the same debt. Even without a live conversation, constant missed calls or voicemails can still count toward that limit. If collectors are blowing up your phone beyond what’s allowed, you don’t have to put up with it.
How to make the calls stop for good
You can send a written request telling the collector to stop contacting you, and once they receive it, they can only respond once more to confirm or give notice of a legal step. Save records of every call and message after that. If they keep contacting you, you may be able to take legal action to stop it for good. You don’t have to deal with this kind of pressure alone, and there’s a clear path to take back control.