8 Steps To Take To Stop Debt Collection Calls In Texas

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Debt collection calls can feel relentless, turning what should be a simple financial issue into a constant source of stress. Texas law has protections in place to help shield you from this kind of harassment. There are clear actions you can take to stop debt collector calls, safeguard your rights, and make them play by the rules. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself from unfair practices and potential violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA and FCRA

Debt collectors must follow strict rules when attempting to collect a debt. The FDCPA outlines what they can and cannot do. For example, debt collectors are prohibited from contacting you at inconvenient times, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They are also forbidden from calling you at work if you’ve informed them not to.

The FCRA provides additional protection regarding how debt is reported to credit agencies. If a debt collector inaccurately reports your debt, it may be grounds for a dispute.

Understanding these laws is your first step in stopping harassment. Familiarize yourself with possible FDCPA and FCRA violations.

Request Written Validation of the Debt

If a debt collector contacts you, ask for a written validation of the debt. Under the FDCPA, collectors must provide written proof of the debt within five days of their initial communication. This should include details like the amount of the debt, the creditor’s name, and how to dispute the debt if you believe it’s inaccurate.

Requesting validation can often stop further calls, as collectors are required to cease collection efforts until they provide this information. This gives you time to review the debt and verify whether it is yours. If you don’t receive the required documentation, you may have grounds to challenge the debt.

Send a Cease and Desist Letter

If debt collectors continue to call despite your requests for validation, consider sending a cease and desist letter. This letter formally demands that they stop contacting you. Under the FDCPA, once a collector receives a cease and desist letter, they are prohibited from contacting you except in certain circumstances, such as informing you of a lawsuit.

Sending a cease and desist letter can give you peace of mind, knowing that the calls will be stopped. Keep a copy of the letter for your records, and consider sending it via certified mail to confirm delivery.

Dispute Any Errors on Your Credit Report

Sometimes, debt collectors report errors to credit bureaus, which can harm your credit score and cause unwanted complications. If you believe there’s an error on your credit report due to a collection account, dispute it with the credit bureau. The FCRA requires credit bureaus to investigate and correct any inaccuracies.

Once a dispute is filed, the credit bureau must investigate within 30 days. If they find that the debt was reported in error, they must remove it from your credit report. This can help stop collection calls linked to inaccurate debt records.

Know How to Handle Harassment from Debt Collectors

If you’re experiencing aggressive or harassing behavior from debt collectors, you must take action. The FDCPA protects you from tactics such as threatening violence, using profane language, or calling repeatedly to the point of harassment.

Document any instances of harassment, including dates, times, and details of the conversation. If the collector continues to violate your rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or consult with a debt collection defense attorney in Texas.

Taking swift action can stop collectors from crossing the line into harassment. Keeping a record of each interaction is key to building a case if you need to take legal action.

File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

If debt collectors continue to violate your rights under the FDCPA or FCRA, you have the option to file a complaint with the CFPB. They investigate consumer complaints and can help resolve issues related to debt collection harassment or credit reporting errors.

When filing a complaint, be prepared to provide details about the debt, the collector’s behavior, and any communications you’ve had. The CFPB can act as a mediator between you and the collector, which may result in a resolution without you having to take further legal steps.

Know the Statute of Limitations in Texas

In Texas, debt collectors cannot pursue legal action to collect on a debt indefinitely. Texas has a statute of limitations that limits how long a debt can be pursued in court. Typically, for most types of consumer debt, the statute of limitations is four years. Once this time period has passed, a collector can no longer sue you to collect the debt.

If the statute of limitations has expired on your debt, inform the debt collector. They should stop pursuing you for payment, as they can no longer legally take you to court for the debt. Be aware, however, that if you acknowledge the debt or make a payment, the clock may restart.

Seek Legal Assistance

If you are still being harassed despite taking the above steps, or if you believe your rights have been violated, consider seeking legal assistance. A consumer law attorney can help you assess your situation, offer advice, and possibly represent you in court.

Legal action may be necessary if a debt collector has violated the FDCPA or FCRA. If successful, you may be entitled to damages, including compensation for emotional distress, as well as attorney’s fees.

Need Protection from Debt Collectors in Texas? Contact Debt Defenders Today

If debt collection calls are disrupting your life, Debt Defenders can help. We’re a trusted law firm based in Katy, TX, with over 15 years of experience defending consumers from illegal debt collection practices. Our 3-step process—Resolve Your Debts, Protect Your Rights, Rebuild Your Credit—has helped countless Texans regain control of their finances.

We offer a free consultation to assess your case and explain your options. Whether you’re facing FCRA credit reporting errors, harassment from collectors, or need assistance with bankruptcy, our team is here to fight for your rights.