The law can help you stop bill collectors from bothering you.

1. You can stop all of their calls and letters.

You can tell bill collectors not to contact you, your boss, your relatives, or anyone else.  To do this, you must write to the bill collectors.  You cannot just tell them over the phone.

This brochure has an example letter. You can use the letter in this booklet.  Date the letter, and keep a copy.  If you can, send the letter by certified mail.

Does anyone in your home have health problems? Do the phone calls and letters make them worse? Then, say that in the letter too. 

What happens when the bill collector gets your letter? They can contact you again only to tell you they plan to take you to court.

What if a bill collector bothers you after getting your letter. Write down the dates and times that they call and what they say. Also, save any papers that they send you and take them to a lawyer.

2. You can stop their calls to you at work.

You must tell them in writing not to call you at work.  Your letter must say that your boss does not let you take these phone calls at work.

3. You can stop their calls to your home with Caller ID.

Bill collectors set up their phones so you will not know who is calling.  If your phone has Caller ID, press *77.  This stops calls from phone numbers that do not show up on your Caller ID.