Tired of Debt
Collector Calls? Know Your Rights.
Dealing with debt collectors and collection agency harassment is overwhelming — but you have powerful legal protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Learn how to handle creditor harassment and understand your rights under federal law — completely free.
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FDCPA Rights Education
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Consumer Rights Info
Educational resources
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Free informational review
68M+
Americans contacted by debt collectors annually
$1,000
Potential statutory damages per FDCPA lawsuit
7 in 7
Calls in 7 days = presumed FDCPA violation
$0
Cost for our educational information review
You Are Not Alone
Are Debt Collectors Making Your Life Miserable?
Constant calls, threatening messages, and relentless pressure from debt collectors can be overwhelming. The good news: federal law provides protections you may not know about.
Non-Stop Calls
The FDCPA restricts when and how often debt collectors can contact you.
Threats & Intimidation
Many threats from debt collectors may violate federal law.
Stress & Anxiety
Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward peace of mind.
You May Have Legal Options You Don't Know About
Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692k), the law provides that consumers who experience violations may be able to seek statutory damages up to $1,000 per lawsuit, plus actual damages and attorney's fees. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Request Free InformationFederal Protection
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides important protections for consumers.
Right to Stop Calls
Send a written request demanding they stop contacting you.
Right to Debt Validation
Collectors must verify the debt within 5 days of initial contact.
Protection from Harassment
No threats, profanity, or calls outside 8 AM - 9 PM.
Protection from Deception
Collectors cannot misrepresent amounts or threaten illegal actions.
Lawsuits & Debt Collection
Can a Collection Agency Sue You — and Can You Sue Them Back?
When dealing with debt collectors, two of the most common questions are whether a collection agency can sue you for unpaid debt, and whether you can sue them for collection harassment.
Lawsuit From a Debt Collector
Yes, a collection agency can sue you to collect an unpaid debt. However, there are important protections and procedures:
- They must file in court and you will receive notice
- You have the right to respond and raise defenses
- The debt may be time-barred by your state's statute of limitations
- Ignoring a lawsuit can result in a default judgment
- A judgment is required before they can garnish wages or levy accounts
Suing a Debt Collector for Harassment
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA through collection harassment, abusive tactics, or deceptive practices, you may be able to sue them:
- Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit
- Actual damages for financial and emotional harm
- Attorney's fees and court costs paid by the collector
- Many attorneys work on contingency — no upfront cost
- Generally one year from the violation date to file
Simple Process
How It Works
Getting informed about your rights is simple. Here's our straightforward process.
Share Your Situation
Fill out our brief form with details about the debt collection calls you are receiving.
Free Information Review
We review your information and assess whether the collector's actions may violate the FDCPA.
We Follow Up
Someone from our team may contact you to discuss your situation and provide resources.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about debt collection and your rights.
No. StopDebtCallsNow.com is an educational resource that provides information about consumer rights under federal debt collection laws. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. If you need legal assistance, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your state.
The FDCPA is a federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.) that restricts the practices of third-party debt collectors. It prohibits harassment, false statements, and unfair practices in debt collection. Consumers who experience violations may have legal remedies available to them.
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to send a written request asking a debt collector to cease communication. Once they receive your request, they must stop contacting you, with limited exceptions such as notifying you of specific legal actions.
When you submit your information through our form, we review the details you provide and may follow up with you to discuss your situation and provide educational resources. There is no obligation, and no attorney-client relationship is formed through this website.
Many consumer protection attorneys handle FDCPA cases on a contingency basis, meaning the consumer typically does not pay out-of-pocket legal fees. Under the FDCPA, successful plaintiffs may recover attorney's fees from the debt collector. A licensed attorney in your state can explain the fee structure for your specific case.
Document every interaction including dates, times, and what was said. Save all voicemails, letters, and text messages. You can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and your state attorney general. If you believe your rights have been violated, consider consulting with a licensed attorney in your state.
Yes, a debt collector or original creditor can file a civil lawsuit to collect an unpaid debt. However, they must first obtain a court judgment before taking actions like wage garnishment or bank levies. You have the right to respond to any lawsuit and raise defenses, including whether the debt is time-barred by the statute of limitations. Ignoring a lawsuit can result in a default judgment against you, so it is important to respond and seek legal advice promptly.
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692k), consumers have the right to bring a private lawsuit against a debt collector who violates the Act. If successful, you may recover statutory damages of up to $1,000 per lawsuit, actual damages for financial or emotional harm, and attorney's fees and court costs. Many consumer protection attorneys handle these cases on a contingency basis. You generally have one year from the date of the violation to file suit.
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Learn About Your Rights Under Federal Law
Federal law provides protections that many consumers don't know about. Take the first step toward understanding your rights and exploring your options.
Request Free InformationInformational only. Not a law firm. Not legal advice. Disclaimer