Debt Collector Calling Your Work? Know Your Rights and Stop the Calls
Debt collectors can call your workplace, but they must stop once you inform them your employer prohibits personal calls. The FDCPA protects you from disclosure of your debt to coworkers and gives you the right to sue collectors who violate these rules. If you're sued, respond promptly to avoid default judgment and wage garnishment.
Answer Your LawsuitDebt collectors calling your workplace can feel humiliating and stressful. You worry about your job, your privacy, and your reputation.
Federal law protects you from many of these tactics. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) limits when and how collectors can contact you.
Stop Collectors and Respond to Your Lawsuit Today
Debt collectors violating your rights with workplace calls? Don't let them win in court. Respond to your lawsuit properly and protect your wages from garnishment.
File Your Answer NowYou have the power to stop these calls. Understanding your rights is the first step toward taking control.
Why Debt Collectors Call Your Workplace
Debt collectors call your work because they want to pressure you. They know workplace calls create embarrassment and urgency.
These calls typically happen after you’ve missed several payments. Your original creditor may have sold the debt to a collection agency.
Third-party debt collectors must follow strict federal rules. Knowing these rules helps you fight back against illegal tactics.
What the FDCPA Says About Workplace Calls
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers from abusive collection practices. Our partner Solo helps you defend your rights when collectors violate the law.
The FDCPA doesn’t specifically ban workplace calls. But it prohibits collectors from disclosing your debt to third parties.
Collectors cannot tell your coworkers, supervisors, or anyone else about your debt. Only your spouse can be informed if they share responsibility for the debt.
If your employer prohibits personal calls, collectors must stop calling immediately. You need to inform them of this restriction.
Key FDCPA Protections
- No calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- No harassment, threats, or abusive language
- No disclosure of your debt to others
- No contact at work once you’ve requested they stop
- No adding unauthorized fees or interest
How to Stop Debt Collectors From Calling Your Work
You can stop workplace calls with a simple request. Tell the collector your employer doesn’t allow personal calls.
Making this request verbally works, but written requests work better. Send a cease communication letter to create a paper trail.
Your letter should state clearly that you cannot receive personal calls at work. Include your work phone number so they know which number to avoid.
Once they receive your request, collectors must stop calling your workplace. Continued calls after your request violate federal law.
What to Include in Your Written Request
- Your full name and account number
- Statement that your employer prohibits personal calls
- Your work phone number
- Request to cease all workplace contact
- Date and your signature
Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt. You’ll have proof they received your request.
When Collectors Break the Rules
Collectors who ignore your cease request violate the FDCPA. You can sue them for these violations.
Each FDCPA violation can result in up to $1,000 in statutory damages. You may also recover actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
Document every illegal call. Keep records of dates, times, and what was said.
You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. You can also report violations to your state attorney general.
Who Must Follow FDCPA Rules
Third-party debt collectors must follow the FDCPA. These are companies hired to collect debts they didn’t originate.
Original creditors aren’t always covered by the FDCPA. The bank or credit card company that issued your card has different rules.
Debt buyers often fall under FDCPA rules. These companies purchase old debts and try to collect them.
If a debt buyer’s main business is collecting debts, they must follow FDCPA regulations. The law covers anyone whose principal purpose is debt collection.
Protection Under the Federal Trade Commission Act
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) offers additional protection. The FTCA covers creditors and debt buyers not subject to the FDCPA.
The FTCA prohibits unfair or deceptive collection practices. Workplace calls when prohibited may violate this law.
You cannot sue under the FTCA like you can with the FDCPA. Instead, you file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC investigates complaints and can take enforcement action. Your complaint helps stop illegal practices industry-wide.
State Laws May Offer More Protection
State and local laws often provide stronger protections than federal law. Check your state’s debt collection regulations.
Some states limit when collectors can call. Others impose stricter penalties for violations.
State laws may allow larger damage awards than the FDCPA. Research your state’s consumer protection statutes or consult an attorney.
What Happens If You’re Sued for Debt
Receiving a court summons means a collector has filed a lawsuit. Never ignore a lawsuit, even if you think the debt is wrong.
Ignoring a lawsuit leads to a default judgment against you. The court automatically rules in the collector’s favor.
Default judgments allow collectors to garnish your wages. They can freeze your bank accounts or place liens on your property.
You must respond by the deadline stated in your court papers. Our partner Solo helps you file a proper Answer to the lawsuit.
How to Respond to a Debt Lawsuit
Your response is called an Answer. The Answer addresses each claim in the lawsuit.
You can dispute the debt amount, question the collector’s right to sue, or raise legal defenses. Common defenses include statute of limitations and lack of proof.
Filing an Answer protects you from default judgment. You force the collector to prove their case in court.
Many collectors cannot prove they own your debt. They may lack documentation showing you owe the amount claimed.
Protect Yourself From Aggressive Collectors
Knowledge is your best defense against debt collector harassment. You have rights under federal and state law.
Stop workplace calls by informing collectors they’re prohibited. Follow up in writing to create documentation.
If collectors continue calling your work, they’re breaking the law. You can take legal action and recover damages.
Respond to lawsuits promptly to avoid default judgments. Fighting back protects your income and assets from collection actions.