Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (2024)

Table of Contents
Here is what you should do if a debt collector is contacting you What is the 11-word phrase credit loophole? What the law says about debt collector calls Outsmart debt collectors Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt Write a cease and desist letter Explain the debt is not legitimate Review your credit reports Explain that you cannot afford to pay See if the debt collector has your current address What to remember when talking to a debt collector Decide what to do next What is SoloSuit? How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector Resolve your debt with your creditor Settle your medical debt Guides on arbitration Stop calls from debt collectors Federal debt collection laws can protect you Get debt relief in your state Debt collection laws in all 50 states Statute of limitations on debt state guides Check the status of your court case How to stop wage garnishment in your state Other wage garnishment resources How to settle a debt in your state How to settle with every debt collector Other debt settlement resources Personal loan and debt relief reviews How to repair and improve your credit score How to resolve student loan debt Civil law legal definitions Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection How-to debt guides Learn more with these additional debt resources FAQs

Chloe Meltzer | March 11, 2024

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (1)

Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (2)

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (3)

Summary: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These are 11 words that can stop debt collectors in their tracks. If you're being sued by a debt collector, SoloSuit can help you respond and win in court.

How does the 11-word credit loophole actually work? The 11-word phrase has been making the rounds on the Internet as a way to get debt collectors off your back. However, you should be aware that this phrase may not be effective in all situations.

If you are being pursued for a debt, you might be scared and stressed out. Try not to let all of the debt collector's badgering calls get to you. If you need to take a break, you can use this 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors:

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

Here is what you should do if a debt collector is contacting you

If a debt collector contacts you, then not responding is an option, but it is not a good option. Ignoring calls is one thing, but ignoring a Summons is a bad idea. You should find out if you actually owe the debt and if the statute of limitations is still active. The one thing you must never do is confirm the debt is yours. This can be used against you in court.

However, it is a good idea to force debt collectors to validate the debt before it gets taken to court by sending a Debt Validation Letter. This document forces the debt collectors to verify the information they have about the debt. Many collectors give up after receiving a debt validation request.

What is the 11-word phrase credit loophole?

You can say a number of things to stop debt collectors from phoning you. You have the right to instruct a debt collector to stop calling, even if the debt they are contacting you about is yours. Your goal is to get the collector to stop calling and contact you via written communication.

Remember, these are the 11 magic words to stop debt collectors: ”Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.”

What the law says about debt collector calls

Due to the long history of abuse by debt collectors, the U.S. government created the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to protect your rights as a consumer. This rule explains what is allowed and not allowed in debt collection practices and calls from debt collectors.

According to the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:

  • Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Use vulgar or obscene language to intimidate you.
  • Threaten to take legal action that they cannot or do not plan to take.
  • Pretend to be a police officer or judge.
  • Discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.
  • Call you at your workplace when they know your employer prohibits such communications.
  • Tell you that you will be arrested if you do not pay off your debt.
  • Sue you for a debt that is past the statute of limitations.

If a debt collector uses any of these tactics against you, and then files a lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation. You can consider filing a counterclaim where you explain that the debt collector violated your rights under the FDCPA. You may also consider reporting the behaviors to the FTC or the CFPB.

Don't ignore a debt collection lawsuit. Respond fast with SoloSuit.

Outsmart debt collectors

When a debt collector contacts you, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and outsmart them. Most consumers don't know how to communicate with debt collectors without making the situation worse, and debt collectors know this. They are counting on you to be ignorant of ways to protect yourself from their schemes.

You can outsmart debt collectors by following these tips:

  • Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
  • Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
  • Write a cease and desist letter.
  • Explain the debt is not legitimate.
  • Review your credit reports.
  • Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
  • See if they have your updated address.

Now, let's take a moment to break down each of these tips in detail.

See Also
How To Negotiate With A Debt Collection AgencyShould I share personal information with a debt collector? | Consumer Financial Protection BureauUse This 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors | Farmer & MorrisWhat Percentage Should I Offer to Settle Debt?

Outsmart debt collectors with SoloSuit's help.

Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors

Ensure that you keep a log of every single time you speak to a debt collector. Note who you spoke with, what they said to you, and what time they contacted you. This will help you remember all important information, as well as how often they call you and any inconsistencies in what they say to you. If you have any voicemails or messages with abusive language, you need to keep them because these can be used as evidence in a countersuit.

Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt

If you suspect that the debt is not yours, or that is past the statute of limitations, try sending a Debt Validation Letter within 30 days of the initial contact with a debt collector. This letter forces debt collectors to verify that the debt they are trying to collect is valid and that they have the right to do so.

Many debt collectors purchase old debts from original creditors, like credit card companies or banks. They purchase these debt accounts for a fraction of the original debt amount. During the transfer of the account, it is common for the collector to lose the proper documentation and proof needed to validate a debt.

So, when you send a Debt Validation Letter, most debt collectors give up.

Write a cease and desist letter

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), if you ask for a debt collector to stop contacting you, they must do so. There are only a few exemptions to this rule. It is good to note that your request must be in writing.

When you ask a collector to stop communicating with you, it may become easy for you to lose track of the debt. This is something that you must decide for yourself. Regardless, if you decide you want the collector to stop contacting you, you can simply ask for this to happen. If this happens, the only time they may contact you is to serve you with a lawsuit.

Respond to debt collectors with SoloSuit and beat them in court.

Explain the debt is not legitimate

If you feel that you should not pay the debt, or that you do not owe it, then you need to make your case. Tell the collector that this is uncollectable and present your information. If you have a valid reason, the collector may voluntarily stop collection on the debt. Otherwise, you will need to present this information in court if the debt collector files a lawsuit against you.

Review your credit reports

You can get a free copy of your credit report from one of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) once per year. Check the reports carefully to see if you have any accounts that you are unaware of. If you find inaccurate information on your credit report, you can dispute the errors with the credit reporting bureaus.

Explain that you cannot afford to pay

If you cannot afford to pay your debt, you can try to explain this to the debt collector. Although explaining that you can't pay does not mean they have to stop collections, it may push them to move on to another customer. This can also prevent your file from going to court.

Do not admit that the debt is yours or do anything that could restart the clock on the statute of limitations. Instead, ensure that you do not admit you are responsible, nor state that you will pay off the debt.

Make the right defense the right way with SoloSuit.

See if the debt collector has your current address

Although you might want to hide from a debt collector, you want to ensure that you get all correspondence. Rather than change your phone number, ask them to stop calling. Then ensure they have your current address because you will never miss a Summons. If you miss a Summons, this will lead to the possibility of having a default judgment placed against you. When a default judgment is placed against you it gives debt collectors the right to garnish your wages and even money taken from your bank account.

What to remember when talking to a debt collector

The 11-word phrase will prevent debt collectors from getting in touch with you by any means other than mail, but your debt will still be unpaid. As a result, you need a long-term approach to deal with the debt. Learn about the possibilities that are open to you. Then seek advice on which one is best based on your circ*mstances.

Let's take a look at an example.

Example: Walker has $1,550 outstanding on the credit card that he hasn't paid in six months, and when debt collectors start contacting him about it, he used the 11-word phrase to stop their incessant calls: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” Unfortunately, Walker was served with a Summons and Complaint after a few weeks. He used SoloSuit to draft and file an Answer to the lawsuit, and he negotiated with the debt collectors by sending an offer with SoloSettle to lower his interest rate and pay off his credit card debt within a set time frame. Walker is now making minimum monthly payments to the collectors and working hard to pay his debt off. The best part is the debt collectors were willing to settle for 50% of the original amount, so Walker only had to pay off $755.


There are a few things you need to remember when a debt collector calls you. First, do not give out your personal information such as bank account number or social security number. You should also not offer a small payment to “get them off their back.” this could restart the clock on the statute of limitations. Above all, never make promises or admit the debt is valid. Otherwise, you can always ask them to cease and desist.

Decide what to do next

This calculator is for educational purposes only.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

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See Also
What is the average collection success rate?

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>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (4)

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (5)

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources


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Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (2024)

FAQs

Use This 11 Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors? ›

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

Explore More ›
What is the 11-word credit secret? ›

The truth is that there are no magic words to stop a debt collector from collecting the debt. In case you are wondering what the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors is supposed to be its “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.”

View Details ›
What to say to get creditors to stop calling? ›

Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter

If you want a debt collector to stop contacting you, the FDCPA gives you the right to make that happen. Putting your request in writing, via a cease-and-desist letter, is an easy and effective option to stop the communication.

View Details ›
What is the loophole of debt collectors? ›

Debt collectors lose the right in many states to sue consumers after three or more years. But there's a loophole: If the consumer makes a payment, even against his or her own will, that can be used to try to revive the life of the debt.

View More ›
How to outsmart debt collectors? ›

You can outsmart debt collectors by following these tips:
  1. Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
  2. Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
  3. Write a cease and desist letter.
  4. Explain the debt is not legitimate.
  5. Review your credit reports.
  6. Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
Mar 11, 2024

Discover More ›
What is a legal loophole to remove collections from a credit report? ›

A 609 Dispute Letter is often billed as a credit repair secret or legal loophole that forces the credit reporting agencies to remove certain negative information from your credit reports.

Find Out More ›
What is the 12 word secret phrase? ›

Your 12-word secret recovery phrase is the key to your wallet and controls access to all your funds, so write it down and keep it safe! If your device is lost or stolen, the only way to recover your funds is with your secret recovery phrase.

Know More ›
What not to say to a debt collector? ›

You never want to give the debt collector personal information about your finances and assets, such as your Social Security number, your bank account number unless making a payment, your income, or the value of your assets.

Show Me More ›
What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›

Debt collectors are limited on when they can call you — typically, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They are not allowed to call you at work. They can't lie or harass you. Debt collectors can't make you pay more than you owe or threaten you with arrest, jail time, property liens or wage garnishment if you don't pay.

Explore More ›
How do I silence my debt collector? ›

If you ask a debt collector to stop all contact – regardless of the communications channel – the collector must stop. Keep in mind, though, that you could still owe the debt. If you don't want a debt collector to contact you again, write a letter to the debt collector saying so.

Find Out More ›

What happens if you never answer a debt collector? ›

If you receive a notice from a debt collector, it's important to respond as soon as possible—even if you do not owe the debt—because otherwise the collector may continue trying to collect the debt, report negative information to credit reporting companies, and even sue you.

Read On ›
How do you win against a debt collector? ›

Here are a few suggestions that might work in your favor:
  1. Write a letter disputing the debt. You have 30 days after receiving a collection notice to dispute a debt in writing. ...
  2. Dispute the debt on your credit report. ...
  3. Lodge a complaint. ...
  4. Respond to a lawsuit. ...
  5. Hire an attorney.

Keep Reading ›
Can debt collectors wipe out your bank account? ›

Yes, a debt collector can take money that you owe them directly from your bank account, but they have to win a lawsuit first. This is known as garnishing.

Get More Info ›
What is the 11 word credit phrase? ›

Are debt collectors persistently trying to get you to pay what you owe them? Use this 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.” You can use this phrase over the phone, in an email or letter, or both.

Explore More ›
Why shouldn't you pay debt collectors? ›

By paying the collection agency directly, the notification of the debt could stay on your credit report longer than if you attempt to use another option, like filing for bankruptcy. When institutions check your credit report and see this information on it, it may harm your ability to obtain loans.

Discover More ›
How to deal with debt collectors when you can't pay? ›

If you wish to settle the debt, you can try offering the debt collector a sum that is lower than the original debt. Debt collectors are usually willing to negotiate since they bought the debt for much lower than its original value.

Read The Full Story ›
What is the secret to great credit? ›

Pay bills on time

No strategy to improve your credit will be effective if you pay late. Worse, late payments can stay on your credit reports for seven years. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, call the creditor immediately.

Learn More Now ›
How to get 900 credit? ›

12 Ways To Get A 900 CIBIL Score
  1. Make All Payments On Time. Timely repayment of credit card bills as well as loan EMIs is vital. ...
  2. Maintain Low Credit Utilization Ratio. ...
  3. Build a Long Credit History. ...
  4. Limit Hard Inquiries. ...
  5. Review Credit Reports Regularly. ...
  6. Become an Authorised User. ...
  7. Mix Types of Credit. ...
  8. Increase Credit Limits.
Feb 22, 2024

Learn More ›
How to get 999 credit score? ›

Build a credit history
  1. Open and manage a current account responsibly, sticking to any agreed overdraft limit.
  2. Pay your bills on time; consider using Direct Debits to avoid missed payments.
  3. You could apply for a credit builder credit card and pay it off in full each month.
Jan 2, 2024

Learn More Now ›
What is the credit card debt puzzle? ›

By Claire Greene and Joanna Stavins. Full Text Document (pdf) The scenario in which consumers revolve unpaid credit card debt while maintaining some liquid assets, typically as a balance in their bank accounts, is known as the credit card debt puzzle.

Learn More ›
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