Every second Wednesday in October, National Stop Bullying Day encourages us to stand up for those being intimidated, shamed, or harassed. But bullying doesn’t always end in the classroom. For many adults, it reappears later in life, and this time in the form of debt collection harassment.
If you’ve ever felt cornered by endless calls, threatening letters, or humiliation tactics from collectors, you know what it’s like to be bullied all over again.
But, there is a legal silver lining.
Just as schools have rules to protect kids, the law has rules to protect you. And once you know your rights, the “financial bullies” lose their power.
When Debt Collectors Cross the Line
Debt collectors have the legal right to contact you about what you owe. But there’s a difference between a professional attempt to collect a debt and harassment designed to scare or shame you into paying.
Some examples of debt collection bullying include:
- Calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Contacting your family, friends, or workplace to embarrass you
- Using threats of arrest, lawsuits, or wage garnishment without legal basis
- Repeatedly calling multiple times a day
- Using offensive or abusive language
These tactics mirror the same intimidation and humiliation seen in schoolyard bullying. They exploit fear, hoping you’ll give in.
Your Legal Shield: The FDCPA
Congress saw this pattern decades ago and passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to stop harassment. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must follow clear rules. They cannot threaten, lie, or harass you.
If a collector breaks these rules, you may have the right to damages, and the harassment can be stopped.
Think of the FDCPA as the “school principal” for consumers—stepping in to make sure bullies play fair.
Steps to Take if You’re Being Bullied by Collectors
If you feel harassed, here’s how to respond:
- Document Everything – Save letters, record call times, and note the collector’s words.
- Assert Your Rights in Writing – You can request they stop contacting you in certain ways.
- Check the Debt – Collectors must verify the debt upon request. Don’t pay until it’s proven valid.
- Report Harassment – File complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state attorney general.
- Seek Legal Support – A consumer protection attorney can stop the harassment and, in some cases, recover damages.
Standing Up to Your Financial Bullies
National Stop Bullying Day reminds us that silence helps the bully, not the victim. In the same way, ignoring debt harassment can make it worse. When you know your rights and take action, you shift the balance of power.
At Guardian Litigation Group, we’ve helped countless clients stop the harassment, regain peace of mind, and rebuild financial confidence.
Just like kids need allies against playground bullies, consumers deserve advocates against financial harassment.
Don’t face your bullies alone.
Questions & Answers
1. What really counts as harassment from a debt collector?
Harassment isn’t just a collector being persistent. It’s when they cross the line into intimidation or abuse. That could look like calling you multiple times a day, using threatening or insulting language, or even contacting your family, friends, or boss to embarrass you. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), all of that is illegal. If you’ve ever felt like a collector is trying to scare or shame you, that’s harassment—and you don’t have to put up with it.
2. Can a debt collector call me at work?
They can try, but there are limits. If your employer doesn’t allow personal calls, you can tell the collector that, and by law, they have to stop calling your workplace. If they ignore your request, that’s a violation you can act on.
3. How many times a day can debt collectors call me?
There isn’t a magic number written into the law, but the rule is simple: calls can’t be excessive or meant to annoy you. For example, if you’re getting a dozen calls in a single afternoon, that’s harassment.
4. Can debt collectors call me on weekends or holidays?
They can, but only during “reasonable” hours. The law generally says between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone.
5. How do I get debt collectors to stop calling me?
The most effective way is to put it in writing. Send a “cease communication” letter telling them to stop contacting you. Once they receive it, they can only reach out to confirm they’ll stop or to notify you about a specific legal action, like a lawsuit. This doesn’t erase the debt, but it does stop the harassment and gives you breathing room.
That said, many consumers feel nervous about sending that letter on their own or worry about saying the wrong thing. This is where a law firm like Guardian Litigation Group can step in. We handle creditor harassment daily, and we can draft the right response, enforce your rights under the FDCPA, and even pursue damages if the harassment continues.
6. Can I actually sue a debt collector for harassment?
Yes, absolutely. If a collector breaks the rules under the FDCPA, you may be able to sue for damages. That can include compensation for emotional distress, lost wages if their harassment affected your job, and even statutory penalties up to $1,000. Plus, the collector may have to pay your attorney’s fees.
7. Who makes sure debt collectors follow the rules?
Several agencies keep an eye on them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) both enforce debt collection laws. Your state attorney general’s office may also take action against abusive collectors. Filing a complaint with one of these agencies adds pressure and creates a paper trail of misconduct.
8. What should I do if the debt isn’t even mine?
If a collector contacts you about a debt that doesn’t belong to you, send a written dispute within 30 days of their first notice. They have to investigate and provide proof before continuing collection. If they can’t prove it’s yours, they must leave you alone. Never pay on a debt you don’t recognize—make them show their evidence first.
Do I have to face collectors on my own?
No. You’re never alone in this. Consumer protection attorneys deal with creditor harassment every day. They can stop the calls, review the debt’s validity, and, if needed, file a lawsuit on your behalf. You don’t have to keep taking those calls and living in fear.
At Guardian Litigation Group, we believe no one should be bullied by creditors. Our team steps in to give you breathing room, legal protection, and a plan for moving forward. Here’s what we do for consumers like you:
- Shut down harassment: We contact collectors directly so the abusive calls and letters stop.
- Protect your rights: We enforce federal and state consumer protection laws to hold collectors accountable.
- Challenge bad debts: We demand proof and fight back against invalid or inflated claims.
- Defend you in court: If a collector sues, we stand by your side every step of the way.
- Guide you to solutions: Whether through settlement, negotiation, or defense, we help you find a path to relief.
Our mission is simple: protect consumers, restore peace of mind, and fight financial bullies with the full force of the law.
Guardian Litigation Group, LLP | On Case, On Call, On Guard.
The information provided in this blog article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique, and readers should consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to their circumstances.