Why Do Debt Collectors Block Their Phone Numbers?
Debt collectors legally block their phone numbers to intimidate you and prevent call blocking. You can stop these calls by enabling unknown caller screening on your phone and sending a debt validation letter with a cease communication request. If collectors sue you despite your requests, respond to the lawsuit within the court deadline to avoid a default judgment.
Answer the LawsuitDebt collectors block their phone numbers for two strategic reasons. First, they want to intimidate you. Second, they want to prevent you from blocking their calls.
A blocked number creates fear and uncertainty. You can’t ignore what you can’t identify. You can’t block what doesn’t appear on your caller ID.
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Respond NowIs It Legal for Debt Collectors to Block Their Numbers?
Yes, blocking phone numbers is completely legal for debt collectors.
The 2007 case Glover v. Client Services established this precedent. The court ruled that calling from a blocked number doesn’t violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The court found that “simply blocking a telephone number cannot, as a matter of law, be considered unfair or unconscionable.”
Since the FDCPA doesn’t prohibit blocked calls, collectors use this tactic freely. The intimidation factor works in their favor. The inability to block their calls keeps you accessible.
How to Block Calls From Debt Collectors
You have options to stop these calls, even from blocked numbers.
Enable Blocked Number Screening
Most smartphones can block private or unknown numbers. Check your phone’s call settings. Enable the option to silence or reject calls from blocked numbers.
iPhone users can enable “Silence Unknown Callers” in settings. Android users can activate “Block Unknown Callers” in their phone app.
Send a Debt Validation Letter
You have the right to request debt validation under the FDCPA. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides government-approved templates.
In your validation letter, include a cease communication request. Debt collectors must honor your written request to stop calling.
Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Work With a Legal Partner
If debt collectors continue harassing you despite your cease communication request, you need help. If they sue you, you must respond within the court deadline.
Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt collection lawsuits. You can draft your Answer and negotiate settlements directly.
FDCPA Violations That Are Actually Illegal
Blocking phone numbers isn’t illegal, but many debt collector tactics are. The FDCPA prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading collection practices.
False Representation of Authority
Collectors cannot pretend they work for the government. They cannot use badges, uniforms, or official-looking documents. They cannot falsely claim to be attorneys.
Misrepresenting Your Debt
Collectors cannot lie about the amount you owe. They cannot misrepresent the legal status of your debt. They cannot falsely claim your debt is validated when it isn’t.
Threatening Illegal Actions
Collectors cannot threaten arrest or imprisonment for unpaid debt. They cannot threaten wage garnishment unless they actually intend to pursue it. They cannot threaten actions they legally cannot take.
Using Deceptive Documents
Collectors cannot send documents that look like court papers when they aren’t. They cannot create fake legal process forms. They cannot use false company names to confuse you.
Failing to Identify Themselves
Collectors must identify themselves during every communication. They must state they’re attempting to collect a debt. They must disclose that any information will be used for collection purposes.
Reporting False Information
Collectors cannot report false information to credit bureaus. They must report disputed debts as disputed. They cannot threaten to report false information to damage your credit.
Impersonating Consumer Reporting Agencies
Collectors cannot pretend to work for credit reporting agencies. They cannot falsely claim affiliation with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
What to Do If a Collector Violates the FDCPA
Document every interaction with debt collectors. Save voicemails, record call times, and keep written correspondence.
You can sue collectors who violate the FDCPA. You may recover up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees. You have one year from the violation date to file.
File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Report violations to your state attorney general’s office. Consider consulting a consumer rights attorney.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA gives you strong protections against collector abuse. You have the right to verify any debt they claim you owe.
You can request they only contact you in writing. You can dispute the debt within 30 days of initial contact. You can demand they stop contacting you entirely.
Collectors must respect your rights. If they receive your cease communication letter, they can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop or notify you of specific legal actions.
When Debt Collectors Can Still Contact You
Even after sending a cease communication letter, collectors can contact you in two situations.
They can confirm they’re ending collection efforts. They can notify you they’re filing a lawsuit or taking specific legal action.
If you receive a lawsuit summons, you must respond. Ignoring a lawsuit results in a default judgment against you.
Our partner Solo can help you draft a proper Answer to a debt collection lawsuit. You can respond to each allegation and raise defenses before the court deadline.