Will This 11-Word Phrase Actually Stop Debt Collectors From Calling?

No one wants to hear from a debt collector. Some folks believe there’s an 11-word phrase that forces debt collectors to stop hounding you. Is it true or simply a myth?

This 11-word Phrase Won’t Stop Debt Collectors’ Calls

“Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Uttering this phrase will not force debt collectors to stop calling. Though it is possible to stop debt collector calls, the request must be submitted in writing, and there’s no magic way to phrase it.

Key Points

• The 11-word phrase claim is based on a myth
• You can only stop debt collector calls by submitting a request in writing
• You may not want to stop debt collection calls because it could increase the risk of the debt collector taking you to court
• There are a number of ways to deal with debt in collections without defaulting

How the Myth Started

The legend of this particular phrase started on Larry King Live during an interview with credit expert John Ulzheimer. Ulzheimer was promoting the book Credit Secrets by Scott and Alison Hilton.

In the interview, Ulzheimer stated that on page 43 of the book, there’s a “simple 11-word phrase you can use that makes it so no bill collector can ever contact you again.” He also stated that “this one single phrase makes it illegal for a debt collector to even dial your phone number.”

This phrase doesn’t even appear in the book. It was a marketing ploy designed to boost the book’s sales. 

Unfortunately, the rumor still circulates today. 

READ MORE: Legitimate ways to pay off debt in collections

Ways To Stop Phone Calls from Debt Collectors That Actually Work

Don’t focus on a single phrase. Send a written letter to the collection agency, and explain why they must stop contact as of that moment. Clearly state that no agency or creditor should call you again for any reason. Phone calls, emails and texts will not work. 

Pro tip: You must send the request by mail.

You Have a Legal Right to Tell Debt Collectors to Stop Calling You

While the legend of the 11-word phrase isn’t true, you do actually have a legal right to tell debt collectors to stop contacting you.

This is established by a federal law known as The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law limits how and when debt collectors can contact you. For example, collectors are prohibited from calling you at inconvenient hours (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.) and they are not allowed to use abusive language. It also grants you the right to instruct that debt collectors stop contacting you, but, as mentioned, it must be in writing. 

Ensure you include all your relevant contact information, current address and Social Security number. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides a letter template that will help you get started.

Pro tip: You must send the letter with tracking and delivery confirmation. Otherwise, you have no proof that they’ve gotten the letter. This will cost about $10, so budget for it. If you don’t have a printer, you can usually print from a local library for a small fee.

After the letter is received, they are prohibited from contacting you, aside from two exceptions:

• Acknowledging requests: Debt collectors can notify you when your letter has been received.
• Notifying you about legal action: Your debt collector can’t communicate with you after you’ve sent a written request, but they can still sue you. They are allowed to contact you to inform you of pending legal action.
  

If a debt collector has already decided to sue you, sending a cease and desist letter won’t prevent a lawsuit. However, you can:

• State in writing that you don’t agree with the lawsuit
• Compile documents to show why the debt collector is wrong about what you how or how long you have to repay it
• Consult a lawyer

Pro tip: Aggressive debt collectors will even try contacting family members. Even if you tell them to stop calling you, that doesn’t mean they won’t try to contact your friends and family.

Learn more about your legal rights at ftc.gov.

Nine More Legitimate Ways to Stop Debt Collector Calls

Just because you can stop debt collector calls doesn’t necessarily mean you should. It’s best to hear them out at least once before you send a cease-and-desist letter. Simply telling them to stop calling you will likely cause them to take you to court, or your debt could be charged off, significantly lowering your credit score. 

Here are nine ways to deal with debt in collections:

1. Ask for a Debt Validation Letter

This forces the debt collector to send you information supporting the claim that the debt is yours. You should get one of these letters before the debt collector starts to contact you, but if you haven’t gotten one, tell the creditor they need to validate the debt so you can ensure it’s actually yours. (Do this even if you know the debt is legitimately yours; It can help you buy some time.)

The debt validation letter should include:

• The creditor or credit card company’s name
• How much you owe
• How to dispute the debt

If you’re getting calls and haven’t gotten one of these letters, contact the collector immediately and demand one.

READ MORE: What is a debt validation letter?

2. Check Your State’s Statute of Limitations on Debt

Each state has established a limited period during which a debt collector can sue you or otherwise attempt to try to recover the money. This is known as the statute of limitations. Confirm your state’s statute of limitations on debt. You should be able to find it through your state attorney general’s office. If the period has elapsed, your debt will become time-barred, and there’s a good chance you won’t have to pay it. 

Pro tip: Though the statute of limitations varies by state, it is usually several years. 

3. Confirm that the Debt is Valid

If you don’t recognize the debt at all, gather credit reports from the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – and review them carefully. Sometimes a debt is sold or changes hands and you may not recognize the new creditor. You can get free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. Review them carefully to confirm that the debt is actually attributed to you. 

Pro tip: If you believe the debt is a mistake, contact the credit bureaus.

4. Contact the Original Creditor

If you’re being contacted by your original creditor or lender rather than a debt collector, contact that creditor and offer a lump-sum payment (or settlement) in exchange for the debt being marked as paid. You must bargain in good faith, and make sure you have the money to follow through with the payment you negotiate. The key is to make a deal with the creditor before the debt is handed off to a debt collector.

READ MORE: Is it better to settle a debt or pay in full?

5. Offer The Debt Collector a Small Payment

Debt collectors likely purchased your debt from the original creditor for pennies on the dollar. At the end of the day, they want to get some of that money back. Because of this, some may be willing to accept a small payment to stop collection efforts. This won’t work every time, but it is always worth a try, particularly if it gets the debt collector off your back. 

Pro tip: If you make even a small payment on your debt it will reset the statute of limitations.

READ MORE: How to deal with debt collectors when you can’t pay

6. Enroll in a Debt Settlement Program

Debt settlement involves hiring a third-party debt settlement company to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. It’s similar to DIY debt settlement, except you hire a team of trained negotiators. When you complete the program, you’ll be debt-free and have repaid less than the full amount you owe.

7. Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan

If your credit score is high enough, apply for a new loan and use it to pay off your existing debts. This is known as debt consolidation. One loan with a longer loan term will leave you with a single monthly payment, often lower than the total you pay each month when making multiple minimum payments. There are even debt consolidation loans for borrowers with bad credit.

READ MORE: Best debt consolidation loans

8. Sign Up for a Credit Counseling Program

Debt Management Plans are repayment plans set up by credit counselors. The counselors negotiate to have creditors reduce your monthly payments and fees, then they set up and administer a monthly payment plan. You will repay the full amount you owe – plus some interest – and the credit counselor will charge a monthly fee, usually ranging from $25 to $75.

READ MORE: How credit counseling works

9. File for Bankruptcy

This may seem like a drastic step, but for debtors struggling with debt who need a way out, bankruptcy offers a financial reset but will also protect some of your assets. Plus, once you file, an automatic stay will go into effect and debt collection efforts will have to stop until your bankruptcy case is resolved. 

Pro tip: If you think this is an option for you, consult a bankruptcy attorney for legal advice. There are serious ramifications, including extreme damage to your credit score. 

READ MORE: Types of bankruptcy explained

Got debt in collections? Learn more about what to do next in this video:

The Bottom Line

Though there is no 11-word phrase that stops debt collectors, there are a number of different debt relief options that will stop their calls. However, if you send a written request that the calls be stopped, keep working on a plan to repay the debt. Otherwise, you could end up in court. Just because debt collectors can’t call you doesn’t mean you’re no longer obligated to repay the debt.

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