📞 Stop Debt Collector Harassment: FDCPA & Rosenthal Demand Letters
Federal and California Law Protections Against Abusive Collection Tactics
⚖️ Your Legal Rights: FDCPA and Rosenthal Act

If you're being harassed by debt collectors—whether through incessant calls, threats, contact at work, or calls to family members—federal and California law give you powerful tools to fight back.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

15 U.S.C. § 1692–1692p is the primary federal law regulating debt collection practices.

Who is covered:

  • Third-party debt collectors: Collection agencies, debt buyers, and law firms collecting on behalf of others
  • Consumer debts only: Personal, family, or household debts (credit cards, medical bills, auto loans, etc.)
  • Original creditors generally excluded: Your original bank or hospital is typically not covered by the FDCPA (but see Rosenthal below for California)

Key FDCPA prohibitions on harassment (§ 1692d):

  • Threatening violence or harm to person, property, or reputation
  • Using obscene, profane, or abusive language
  • Repeatedly calling with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass
  • Calling without disclosing the caller's identity
  • Publishing your name on a "bad debt" list (except to credit bureaus)
Regulation F (12 C.F.R. § 1006): The CFPB's 2021 rule clarified harassment standards:
  • 7-calls-per-week safe harbor: No more than 7 calls per week about a specific debt creates a presumption of compliance; exceeding this creates a presumption of harassment
  • Time restrictions: No calls before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in the consumer's local time zone
  • "Unusual" times/places: Cannot contact you at times or places the collector knows or should know are inconvenient (e.g., at work if you've told them not to)
California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

California Civil Code § 1788 et seq. provides even stronger protections than the FDCPA.

Key differences from FDCPA:

Issue FDCPA (Federal) Rosenthal Act (California)
Who is covered Third-party debt collectors only Third-party collectors PLUS original creditors and servicers in many scenarios
Call times Not before 8 AM, not after 9 PM Same: not before 8 AM, not after 9 PM (§ 1788.11(d))
Threats Prohibited if false or not intended Prohibited; also bars threats of criminal prosecution (§ 1788.10)
Workplace calls Must stop if told employer prohibits it Same (§ 1788.11(c))
Damages Up to $1,000 statutory + actual damages + attorney fees Up to $1,000 statutory + actual damages + attorney fees (§ 1788.30)
California Advantage: Because Rosenthal applies to original creditors and extends many FDCPA protections, California consumers have broader rights. If a hospital billing department or your original credit card bank is harassing you in California, you can invoke Rosenthal even though they're not covered by the FDCPA.
What These Laws Protect You From

Both FDCPA and Rosenthal give you the right to demand that collectors:

  • Stop calling you entirely (you can require mail-only communication)
  • Stop calling you at work (if you tell them your employer prohibits it or it's inconvenient)
  • Stop contacting third parties (friends, family, coworkers) except for very limited "location information" purposes
  • Stop using abusive language, threats, or deception
  • Provide verification of the debt before continuing collection (covered in our debt validation page)
Important Limitation: Telling a collector to cease all communication does NOT make the debt go away. They can still sue you, report to credit bureaus (if reporting is accurate), or pursue other legal remedies. A cease-communication letter stops the calls and letters, but does not stop lawsuits or liens.
🚫 What Counts as Harassment Under FDCPA and Rosenthal?

Not every annoying call is illegal harassment, but debt collectors routinely cross the line. Here's how to identify prohibited conduct.

Excessive Call Frequency

The Rule: Regulation F creates a 7-call-per-week safe harbor. Collectors who call you more than 7 times in a 7-day period about the same debt create a presumption of harassment.

What counts as a "call"?
  • Every connection, including hang-ups, voicemails, and robo-calls
  • Calls to your cell phone, home phone, or work number all count toward the 7-call limit
  • The 7-day period is a rolling window, not calendar week

How to prove it:

  • Check your call log and screenshot it
  • Note the number, date, time, and duration of each call
  • Save voicemails (record them or use transcription apps)
Calls at Prohibited Times or Places
Prohibited Conduct Legal Standard Example
Calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM FDCPA § 1692c(a)(1); Rosenthal § 1788.11(d) Collector calls at 7:30 AM or 10:00 PM = violation
Calls at work after being told not to FDCPA § 1692c(a)(3); Rosenthal § 1788.11(c) You say "My employer prohibits personal calls" and they keep calling your work = violation
Calls at other "inconvenient" times/places FDCPA § 1692c(a)(1) Calling during your night shift, while you're hospitalized, etc., after you've told them it's inconvenient
How to invoke workplace protections: Send a written notice (or tell them on a recorded call) that your employer prohibits personal calls or that calls at work are inconvenient. After that notice, any further workplace call is a violation.
Third-Party Contact (Calling Family, Friends, Coworkers)

The Rule: Collectors can contact third parties ONLY to obtain your contact information ("location information"), and only if they don't already have it.

What they CANNOT do:

  • Tell your family, friends, or coworkers about the debt
  • Call the same third party more than once (unless the first contact was ineffective and they reasonably believe new information is available)
  • Call your employer except to verify employment or obtain contact info
  • Identify themselves as a debt collector to third parties
Classic Violation Example: Collector calls your mother and says, "Your son owes $5,000 on a credit card and refuses to pay. Can you tell him to call us?" This violates multiple FDCPA provisions: disclosing the debt to a third party, harassment, and improper third-party contact.
Threats and Abusive Language

Prohibited threats under FDCPA § 1692d and § 1692e:

  • Violence or harm: "I know where you live" or "You better watch your back"
  • Arrest or criminal prosecution: "We'll have you arrested" or "We're filing criminal charges" (debt is a civil matter; you cannot be jailed for not paying a credit card)
  • Seizure of property/garnishment not legally available: "We're sending the sheriff to take your car" when they have no judgment or security interest
  • Obscene or profane language: Cursing, sexual comments, racial slurs
  • Reputation damage: "We'll tell everyone you know you're a deadbeat"

What IS allowed:

  • Truthful statements about consequences: "If you don't pay, we may file a lawsuit and obtain a judgment that could lead to wage garnishment" (if that's actually their intent)
  • Offering settlement or payment plans
  • Requesting payment in a professional tone
Deceptive Practices

FDCPA § 1692e and Rosenthal § 1788.13 prohibit false, deceptive, or misleading representations, including:

Deceptive Practice Example
False amount owed "You owe $10,000" when the actual debt is $3,000
False identity Pretending to be law enforcement, a court official, or an attorney when they're not
False urgency "You have 24 hours or we sue" when no lawsuit is actually planned or pending
Fake documents Sending a letter designed to look like a court summons when it's just a collection letter
Credit reporting threats "Pay or we'll destroy your credit" when the account is already reported or outside the reporting period
Is This Harassment? Quick Checklist
Check all that apply to your situation:
  • ☐ Collector calls more than 7 times per week about the same debt
  • ☐ Calls before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM
  • ☐ Calls at work after I told them not to or that my employer prohibits it
  • ☐ Called my family, friends, or coworkers and disclosed the debt
  • ☐ Threatened arrest, jail, or criminal charges
  • ☐ Used obscene, abusive, or profane language
  • ☐ Threatened to seize property or garnish wages when they have no legal right to do so
  • ☐ Called from different numbers to evade my blocks
  • ☐ Refused to identify themselves or their company
  • ☐ Threatened to harm my reputation or contact my employer to embarrass me

If you checked even ONE box, you likely have an FDCPA or Rosenthal violation. Proceed to Tab 3 to learn how to write a cease-and-desist letter and preserve your rights to sue.

✍️ How to Write a Debt Collector Harassment Cease-and-Desist Letter

A properly drafted cease-and-desist letter serves multiple purposes: it stops the harassment, creates a paper trail for a potential lawsuit, and clarifies your rights under the law.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before writing your letter, collect evidence of the harassment:

  • Call logs: Screenshot your phone's call history showing the collector's number(s), dates, times, and frequency
  • Voicemails: Save or transcribe any threatening, abusive, or harassing voicemails
  • Witness statements: If the collector called family/friends/coworkers, ask them to write down what was said
  • Validation notice: If you received one, include the account number and creditor name from that notice
  • Prior correspondence: Any previous letters to/from the collector
Step 2: Choose Your Letter Type

You have several options depending on your goals:

Letter Type When to Use Effect
Cease All Communication You want the collector to stop contacting you entirely Collector must stop all contact except to confirm they received your letter or notify you of specific legal actions (lawsuit, etc.)
Cease Phone Calls (Mail Only) You want documentation but not phone calls Collector can only contact you by mail at the address you provide
Stop Workplace Contact You want calls to stop at work but can receive calls at home Collector must stop calling your workplace; can still call your home/cell
Harassment Complaint + Demand for Damages Harassment has already occurred; you're considering a lawsuit Puts collector on notice of violations and preserves your right to sue; may prompt settlement offer
Important: If you send a "cease all communication" letter under FDCPA § 1692c(c), the collector can still sue you, obtain a judgment, and garnish wages or levy bank accounts. The letter stops communication, but does NOT stop legal remedies. If you want to negotiate or resolve the debt, consider "mail only" instead of "cease all."
Step 3: Essential Elements of the Letter

Your harassment cease-and-desist letter should include:

  • Your identifying information: Full name, address (the address where they should send written responses)
  • Collector's information: Company name, address, account/reference number if you have it
  • Subject line: "Cease and Desist — FDCPA § 1692c(c)" or "Cease Harassment — Rosenthal Act § 1788.11"
  • Statement of violations: Specific facts (dates, times, threats made, third-party contacts) showing how they violated the law
  • Citation to law: Reference FDCPA and/or Rosenthal provisions they violated
  • Clear directive: "Cease all phone communication" or "Cease all communication" or "Stop calling my workplace"
  • Permitted contact: "You may contact me only by mail at [address]" (if you're not doing a full cease-all)
  • Reservation of rights: "I reserve all rights under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act, including the right to sue for statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney fees."
Pro Tip: Send the letter via certified mail, return receipt requested. This creates proof of delivery and starts the clock on the collector's obligations. Keep a copy for your records and the certified mail receipt.
Step 4: What Happens After You Send the Letter?

If you sent a cease-all-communication letter:

  • Collector must stop all contact except to acknowledge receipt or notify you they're suing
  • If they contact you again (other than those exceptions), it's an additional FDCPA violation

If you sent a workplace-only or phone-only cease letter:

  • Collector must honor your specific restrictions
  • They can still contact you via the method you permitted (e.g., mail)

If they violate your cease letter:

  • Document the violation (screenshot the call, save the voicemail, etc.)
  • This strengthens your case for statutory damages and attorney fees
  • Consider consulting an attorney about filing suit
Step 5: Consider Filing a CFPB or State AG Complaint

In addition to your cease-and-desist letter, you can report the harassment to regulators:

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Submit a complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint — the CFPB forwards complaints to companies and publishes anonymized data
  • California Attorney General (for CA residents): File a complaint with the CA Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
  • FTC: Report to ftc.gov/complaint (FTC doesn't resolve individual disputes but uses complaints for enforcement actions)
Why file regulatory complaints?
  • Creates an official record of the harassment
  • May trigger a regulatory investigation if many consumers complain about the same collector
  • Some collectors take complaints more seriously when regulators are involved
  • Strengthens your case if you later sue
📄 Sample Harassment Cease-and-Desist Letters

Below are templates for the most common scenarios. Customize them with your specific facts and send via certified mail.

Sample 1: Cease All Communication (FDCPA § 1692c(c))
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collector Name] [Debt Collector Address] [City, State ZIP] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Cease and Desist All Communication Account/Reference Number: [if known] FDCPA § 1692c(c) To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to formally notify you that I am exercising my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), to demand that you CEASE AND DESIST all communication with me regarding the above-referenced account or any other matter. Do not contact me by phone, mail, email, text message, or any other means, except as expressly permitted by the FDCPA: 1. To acknowledge receipt of this letter. 2. To notify me that you are terminating further collection efforts. 3. To notify me of a specific legal action you intend to take (e.g., filing a lawsuit). Any communication beyond these narrow exceptions will be considered a violation of the FDCPA and will be reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and used as evidence in any legal action I pursue against you. I reserve all of my rights under the FDCPA, the California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (if applicable), and any other applicable law, including the right to sue for statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney fees. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Sample 2: Cease Phone Contact (Mail Only)
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collector Name] [Debt Collector Address] [City, State ZIP] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Cease Telephone Communication — Mail Contact Only Account/Reference Number: [if known] To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to notify you under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c, that I am directing you to CEASE all telephone communication with me regarding the above-referenced account. You may contact me ONLY in writing at the following address: [Your full mailing address] Do not call me at home, at work, on my cell phone, or at any other number. Do not text or leave voicemails. All communication must be in writing and sent to the address above. This letter does not waive my right to dispute the debt, request validation, or assert any defenses. I reserve all rights under the FDCPA and applicable state law, including the right to pursue legal action for any violations. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Sample 3: Stop Workplace Contact Only
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collector Name] [Debt Collector Address] [City, State ZIP] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Notice — Cease Workplace Communication Account/Reference Number: [if known] FDCPA § 1692c(a)(3) To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to notify you under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(a)(3) that my employer prohibits me from receiving personal calls at work. Additionally, your calls to my workplace are inconvenient and disruptive. Effective immediately, you must CEASE all telephone communication to my workplace at [workplace phone number or "any work number"]. You may contact me at my home address or personal phone number if needed, but NOT at my place of employment. Any further contact at my workplace after receipt of this letter will constitute a violation of the FDCPA and will be reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I reserve all rights under federal and state law. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Sample 4: Harassment Complaint Letter with Damage Claim

Use this when harassment has already occurred and you're considering legal action:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collector Name] [Debt Collector Address] [City, State ZIP] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Formal Complaint of FDCPA and Rosenthal Act Violations Account/Reference Number: [if known] To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to notify you that your debt collection activities have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.) and the California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788 et seq.). VIOLATIONS COMMITTED: 1. Excessive Call Frequency (FDCPA § 1692d; Regulation F § 1006.14): You called me [NUMBER] times between [DATE] and [DATE], far exceeding the 7-call-per-week safe harbor. Attached is a call log documenting these calls. 2. Calls at Prohibited Times (FDCPA § 1692c(a)(1); Rosenthal § 1788.11(d)): You called me at [TIME] on [DATE], which is [before 8:00 AM / after 9:00 PM] in my local time zone. 3. Third-Party Disclosure (FDCPA § 1692c(b)): On [DATE], your representative called [NAME OF THIRD PARTY, e.g., my mother/coworker] and disclosed that I owe a debt, in violation of the prohibition on third-party disclosure. 4. Threats and Harassment (FDCPA § 1692d, § 1692e; Rosenthal § 1788.10–.13): On [DATE], your representative stated: "[QUOTE THE THREAT, e.g., 'We'll have you arrested if you don't pay']," which is a false threat of criminal prosecution and constitutes harassment. DAMAGES: As a result of your unlawful conduct, I have suffered: • Severe emotional distress, anxiety, and sleep disruption • Embarrassment from disclosure of the debt to third parties • Lost work time dealing with your incessant calls DEMAND: I demand that you: 1. Immediately CEASE all communication with me except by mail to the address above. 2. Remove any negative reporting related to this account from my credit reports. 3. Compensate me for statutory damages, actual damages, and costs as provided under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act. I am prepared to file a lawsuit in [federal district court / California superior court] to enforce my rights under these statutes, which provide for statutory damages up to $1,000 per case, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees. I will give you [14 days] to respond in writing with a proposal to resolve this matter before I proceed with legal action. I have filed complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the California Attorney General regarding your conduct. I reserve all rights under federal and state law. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: [List: call logs, voicemail transcripts, witness statements, etc.]
After Sending Your Letter:
  • Keep the certified mail receipt and a copy of the letter
  • Monitor for any further contact and document it immediately
  • If they violate the cease letter, consult an attorney — you now have strong grounds for a lawsuit with statutory damages and attorney fees
⚡ Enforcement: Filing a Lawsuit and Damages

If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Rosenthal Act despite your cease-and-desist letter—or if the harassment was severe—you have the right to sue and recover damages.

What You Can Recover
Type of Damages FDCPA (Federal) Rosenthal (California)
Statutory Damages Up to $1,000 per case (not per violation) Up to $1,000 per case (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.30)
Actual Damages Proven harm: emotional distress, lost wages, medical bills, therapy costs Same: emotional distress, economic losses
Attorney Fees & Costs Reasonable attorney fees + court costs (15 U.S.C. § 1692k(a)(3)) Reasonable attorney fees + costs (§ 1788.30(c))
Class Actions Lesser of $500,000 or 1% of collector's net worth Class actions permitted under Rosenthal
Attorney Fee Shifting is Key: Because prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney fees, many FDCPA/Rosenthal attorneys work on contingency or handle cases at no upfront cost. The collector pays your attorney if you win.
Statute of Limitations
  • FDCPA: You must sue within 1 year of the violation (15 U.S.C. § 1692k(d))
  • Rosenthal Act: Also 1 year from the violation (Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.30(f))
Act Quickly: The 1-year clock starts when the violation occurs, not when you discover it. If you experienced harassment months ago and are only now considering legal action, consult an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
Where to File Your Lawsuit

FDCPA Claims:

  • Can be filed in federal district court (if you meet amount-in-controversy requirements, or as a federal question case)
  • Can be filed in state court (most states allow FDCPA claims in state court)
  • Venue: where you live, where the collector operates, or where the violation occurred

Rosenthal Claims (California):

  • Filed in California Superior Court (state court)
  • Can be combined with FDCPA claims in a single lawsuit
The Litigation Process

Step 1: Consult an FDCPA/Rosenthal Attorney

  • Bring all documentation: call logs, letters, voicemails, witness statements
  • Attorney evaluates strength of case and potential damages
  • Many consumer attorneys offer consultations

Step 2: File Complaint

  • Attorney drafts a complaint alleging specific FDCPA/Rosenthal violations
  • Complaint filed in appropriate court and served on debt collector

Step 3: Collector's Response

  • Collector has 21-30 days to file an answer or motion to dismiss
  • Most FDCPA cases settle before trial; collectors want to avoid attorney fee exposure

Step 4: Discovery (if case doesn't settle immediately)

  • Exchange of documents, interrogatories, depositions
  • Collector must produce call records, scripts, training materials, etc.

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

  • Most FDCPA cases settle for a combination of statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney fees
  • Settlement often includes agreement to delete/correct credit reporting and cease collection
  • If no settlement, case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury
Settlement Reality: FDCPA/Rosenthal cases often settle for $3,000–$10,000+ depending on severity of violations, number of violations, and your actual damages. Attorney fees can add significantly to the collector's exposure, which drives settlement.
Do I Need an Attorney?

Yes, for most cases. While you can technically sue pro se (without an attorney), FDCPA litigation has technical requirements and collectors will have experienced defense counsel. Additionally:

  • FDCPA attorneys typically work on contingency or fee-shifting arrangements, so there's no upfront cost
  • An experienced attorney knows how to maximize your recovery and navigate procedural issues
  • Collectors take cases more seriously when you have counsel
  • Attorney fees are recoverable, so the collector pays your lawyer if you win
Finding an FDCPA/Rosenthal Attorney
  • National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA): consumeradvocates.org — searchable directory of consumer rights attorneys
  • Your state bar association: Referral services for consumer law specialists
  • Legal aid organizations: For low-income consumers, many legal aid societies handle FDCPA cases
Or contact me: I represent consumers facing debt collector harassment in California and nationwide. If you've been subjected to abusive collection tactics, I can evaluate your case and discuss your options at no cost. See the Attorney Services tab for details.
💼 How I Help Clients Fight Debt Collector Harassment

I represent consumers who have been subjected to illegal debt collection harassment. My practice focuses on holding debt collectors accountable under the FDCPA and California's Rosenthal Act.

Services I Provide
📋 Case Evaluation & Strategy
  • Review your call logs, voicemails, and communications
  • Identify all FDCPA and Rosenthal violations
  • Assess potential damages and litigation value
  • Develop a strategy: cease-and-desist, demand letter, or immediate lawsuit
✍️ Demand Letters & Regulatory Complaints
  • Draft cease-and-desist letters tailored to your situation
  • File CFPB and California AG complaints on your behalf
  • Send pre-litigation demand letters seeking damages
  • Negotiate settlements before filing suit
⚖️ FDCPA/Rosenthal Litigation
  • File lawsuits in federal or state court
  • Pursue statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney fees
  • Handle all discovery, motions, and trial preparation
  • Negotiate favorable settlements that include debt forgiveness and credit repair
🛡️ Ongoing Protection
  • Monitor compliance with cease-and-desist letters
  • Respond to post-cease violations with immediate legal action
  • Coordinate with credit reporting agencies to remove inaccurate data
  • Defend against retaliatory lawsuits or collection attempts
Why Clients Choose Me
  • No upfront fees: Most FDCPA/Rosenthal cases handled on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win, and the collector pays attorney fees
  • Proven results: Consistent track record of settlements and verdicts against major debt collectors
  • Personalized attention: Direct access to me, not a paralegal or case manager
  • Dual-jurisdiction expertise: Handle both federal FDCPA claims and California Rosenthal claims, maximizing your recovery
  • Fast action: FDCPA statute of limitations is only 1 year—I move quickly to preserve your rights
Stop the Harassment. Get Compensated.
If you've been subjected to debt collector harassment, I can evaluate your case and discuss your options. Most FDCPA cases handled on contingency—no fee unless we win.
Email owner@terms.law
Schedule a Call

Book a call to discuss your debt collector harassment case. I'll review your documentation, explain your rights, and outline a clear path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cease-and-desist letter stops the collector from contacting you, but it does NOT eliminate the debt. The collector can still sue you, report accurate information to credit bureaus, or pursue other legal remedies. If you owe the debt and can afford to pay or settle, it's often better to negotiate rather than simply cutting off communication.
You can recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages per case (not per violation), plus any actual damages you suffered (emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses), plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. In practice, FDCPA settlements range from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on the severity and number of violations, plus attorney fees which can add significantly to the total.
Generally no—the FDCPA applies only to third-party debt collectors, not original creditors. However, if you're in California, the Rosenthal Act extends many of the same protections to original creditors and servicers. So if your original bank or hospital is harassing you in California, you can invoke Rosenthal even though FDCPA doesn't apply.
Only if you haven't told them to stop. Under FDCPA § 1692c(a)(3), collectors cannot call you at work if they know (or have reason to know) that your employer prohibits such calls, OR if you tell them it's inconvenient. Send a written notice (or tell them on a recorded call) that your employer prohibits personal calls or that workplace contact is inconvenient. After that, any further workplace call is a violation.
No. That's a clear FDCPA violation. Collectors can contact third parties (family, friends, coworkers) ONLY to obtain your contact information, and they cannot disclose that you owe a debt. If they told your mom about the debt or asked her to relay a message to you, that violates § 1692c(b) and § 1692d. You have strong grounds for a lawsuit with statutory damages and attorney fees.
You have 1 year from the date of the violation to file a lawsuit under the FDCPA or Rosenthal Act. This is a strict deadline—if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue. If you've been harassed, consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Yes. Even a single violation of the FDCPA or Rosenthal Act can give you the right to sue. For example, one threat of arrest, one call before 8 AM, or one disclosure to a third party is enough for a claim. However, cases with multiple violations or egregious conduct typically result in higher settlements.
Probably not. Most FDCPA/Rosenthal attorneys (including me) work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney's fee comes from the settlement or is paid by the collector under the fee-shifting provision of the law. This makes it risk-free for consumers to hold collectors accountable.
That's still harassment under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act. Using multiple numbers to circumvent your blocks or to increase call volume beyond the 7-per-week safe harbor is evidence of intent to harass. Document all the different numbers they're using (screenshot your call log) and include this in your cease-and-desist letter and any complaint to regulators or lawsuit.
Next Steps: If you're being harassed by debt collectors, gather your call logs, voicemails, and any written communications, then reach out for a case evaluation. I'll assess your claims, explain your rights, and help you fight back.

Contact: owner@terms.law