How Often Can Debt Collectors Call You?

Even one call from a debt collector can feel like too many when you're dealing with debt you can't pay. By the sixth call, you could be completely frustrated and stressed from the debt collectors' seemingly endless calls.

It's a smart move to learn more about what debt collectors are actually allowed to do—and what they’re not. Knowing the rules around debt collector calls can help you reduce stress and stay in control of the situation.

Debt collectors have a lot of leeway to try to collect what you owe. They don't have free rein to harass you, however. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets out strict rules on how often debt collectors can call you.

Debt Collectors Can Call Up to 7 Times a Week

How often you can expect to hear from a debt collector depends on whether you're communicating with them or simply ignoring the calls. Debt collectors can't call you:

• More than seven times in a seven-day period

• Within seven days after they've talked to you on the phone about your debt

So, if you never chat with the debt collector, they could potentially call you once a day, every day. If you answer the phone and discuss your debt, the debt collector shouldn't call for the next week. 

This is a per-debt limit. If you have more than one debt, you could hear from debt collectors about each one.

In addition to capping how often you can get calls, the FDCPA limits when you can get calls from debt collectors. Specifically, they can't call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you give them permission. They’re generally allowed to call you at work, but they have to stop if you tell them you're not allowed to receive calls while at work.

They Can Also Text, Email, or Reach Out on Social Media

Sadly, debt collectors are hip to the modern age, so you may need to watch more than just your phone calls and snail mail. Debt collectors are allowed to reach out digitally, too. This includes:

• Text messages to your mobile phone

• Emails to your personal email address

• Private messages on social media

That's right, debt collectors are legally allowed to slide into your DMs to talk to you about your debt. They're not allowed to post anything about your debt where anyone else could read it, however, and you have the right to tell them to stop sending texts, emails, or social media messages.

Debt collectors may also get in touch with your friends or family to ask how to contact you. That's all they're allowed to ask when they call. They're not allowed to disclose your debt to anyone other than your spouse (or co-signer, or parent if you're a minor). 

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Debt Collector Calls

It's easy to get sick of the calls, especially if you're not ready to deal with the debt collector or can't repay your debt. You have the right to stop debt collector calls for good by mailing a cease-and-desist letter. That's probably a bad idea, though.

You really limit the debt collector's options when you cut off all lines of communication. Without any other way to try to collect, the debt collector could decide to sue you in an attempt to get paid.

And you definitely don't want to ignore a lawsuit from a debt collector. Not responding to the lawsuit usually results in a default judgment, which means you automatically lose. If the debt collector wins a judgment against you, the court could allow them to garnish your wages or freeze your bank account.

What to Do If You're Being Harassed By Debt Collectors

While you shouldn't ignore them, you don't have to put up with threats or harassment from debt collectors. You have the power to tell them when and how to contact you—and to stop texting, calling you at work, or contacting you on social media.

You also have options to make the debt collector go away entirely. The simplest solution is to pay what you owe. If you can't afford to pay the full balance, you may be able to negotiate a debt settlement for a lower amount and have the rest forgiven. You can DIY debt settlement negotiations or work with a professional debt relief company.

It could be worth contacting a licensed attorney that specializes in debt to help you figure out your options. You might be a candidate for bankruptcy if debt settlement isn't the right fit.

No matter what path you choose, keep records of any contact from the debt collector, including noting dates and times of calls, and keeping copies of any letters, emails, texts, or social media messages. If you feel that a debt collector has broken the rules, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's attorney general.