Debt Collector (Creditor) Cease and Desist Letter

A debt collector cease and desist letter is sent to a debt collector to demand that they stop all contact concerning the repayment of a debt. Its purpose is to put an end to unwanted phone calls, mail, and other forms of communication from collection agencies. With limited exceptions, debt collectors are required to cease contact once the letter is received.

Debt Collector (Creditor) Cease and Desist Letter

A debt collector cease and desist letter is sent to a debt collector to demand that they stop all contact concerning the repayment of a debt. Its purpose is to put an end to unwanted phone calls, mail, and other forms of communication from collection agencies. With limited exceptions, debt collectors are required to cease contact once the letter is received.

Last updated February 4th, 2025

A debt collector cease and desist letter is sent to a debt collector to demand that they stop all contact concerning the repayment of a debt. Its purpose is to put an end to unwanted phone calls, mail, and other forms of communication from collection agencies. With limited exceptions, debt collectors are required to cease contact once the letter is received.

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When Contact is Allowed

Debt collection activities are regulated by the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). According to the FDCPA, once a debt collector receives a written request to cease communication, they may no longer contact the debtor except to[1]:

  • Confirm that communication will stop.
  • Inform the debtor of legal actions the collector might take.

Debt Collector: Defined

The term “debt collector” refers to a third party acting on the creditor’s behalf, such as a:

  • Collection agency
  • Lawyer
  • Debt buyer

Limitations

The FDCPA only covers consumer debt, such as mortgages, student loans, and credit card debt.[2] As a result, a cease and desist letter will not prevent further communication from collectors of business debt.

Additionally, the FDCPA generally applies to debt collectors only, meaning the original creditor may still have the right to contact the debtor after receiving a cease and desist letter.[3]

Sample

Download: PDFWord (.docx)OpenDocument

NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST

[SENDER’S NAME]
[SENDER’S STREET]
[SENDER’S CITY, STATE, & ZIP]

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Re: Ceasing Communication Regarding Debt
Account Number: [DEBT ACCOUNT NUMBER (IF KNOWN)]

Dear [DEBT COLLECTOR’S NAME],

I am responding to your recent contact concerning a debt you are attempting to collect. You identified the debt as: [DEBT DESCRIPTION].

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692c), you are hereby notified to immediately cease communications concerning the collection of the above-referenced debt. This notice shall include, but is not limited to, written correspondence and telephonic communication.

Failure to honor this request could subject your company to liability under federal law.

If you do not cease communication, I am prepared to pursue all available legal actions.

Sincerely,

________________________
[PRINTED NAME]