The calls come at dinner. They come at work. Sometimes they come with threats, or a tone designed to make you feel small and scared. Creditor harassment wears people down, and part of what makes it work is a set of myths that convince you that you have to just take it. You do not. Let us bust the biggest myths and replace them with the rights you actually have, so you can shut the harassment down.
Myth: “They can call me whenever and however they want”
Not true. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act sets limits on third-party debt collectors, and California adds its own protections. Collectors generally cannot call at unreasonable hours, use threats or obscene language, call repeatedly to annoy or harass, or misrepresent who they are and what you owe. Harassment is not just rude; much of it is against the law.
Myth: “There’s nothing I can do to stop the calls”
Also false. You generally have the right to tell a collector in writing to stop contacting you, and once they receive it, the FDCPA limits further contact to specific purposes. Requesting written validation of the debt is another powerful move that both slows things down and forces the collector to prove its claim. Silence, on your terms, is a tool you are allowed to use.
Myth: “If they threaten me, they must be allowed to”
This is exactly backward. Threats of arrest, claims that they will garnish your wages without a judgment, or warnings that they will tell your employer or family about your debt are often signs the collector is crossing legal lines. A threat is not proof of power; sometimes it is proof of a violation. Our debt relief team regularly helps Bay Area residents tell the difference.
The truth: documentation is your best weapon
Every abusive call is potential evidence. Write down the date, time, caller’s name, and what was said, and keep voicemails and letters. This record turns vague frustration into a concrete timeline you can act on. If a collector has broken the rules, that documentation is what lets you hold them accountable.
The truth: you may be able to turn the tables
When a collector violates the FDCPA, the law may give you the right to take action against them, not the other way around. People who feel powerless are often surprised to learn that the abuse they endured may itself be a claim. You can learn more about our firm and how we stand up for people facing collection abuse.
The truth: stopping harassment is not the same as ignoring debt
One important caveat. Stopping the calls does not erase the debt or a creditor’s right to pursue it through proper legal channels, such as a lawsuit. So while you enforce your right to peace, it is wise to also address the underlying debt through a real plan. The goal is not just quiet; it is resolution.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make the calls stop? You can send a written request to cease contact and request validation of the debt. Keep copies. If the harassment continues in violation of the law, an attorney can advise on next steps.
Is it harassment if they call every day? Repeated calls intended to annoy, abuse, or harass can violate the law, and the pattern matters. Documenting frequency and content helps show whether a line has been crossed.
Can they really threaten to have me arrested? Threatening arrest over a consumer debt is generally improper. Owing money is not a crime, and a collector implying otherwise may be violating the rules.
What if the harassment doesn’t stop after I ask? Continued harassment after a proper request can strengthen a claim against the collector. Save the evidence and talk to an attorney about holding them accountable.
Reclaim your peace of mind
You deserve to answer your phone without dread. The Somal Law Firm in Pleasanton helps Bay Area and Tri-Valley residents stop creditor harassment, enforce their rights, and deal with the underlying debt for good. Call (415) 754-0115 for a free, confidential consultation, or reach us through our contact page. We represent the little guy, and we are ready to help you push back.
Attorney Advertising. This article is general legal information for Bay Area residents, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every situation is different — please consult a licensed attorney about your specific circumstances.