Having to deal with debt collectors can be challenging and stressful. Due to the fact that some debt collectors often use harsh words and aggressive approaches when talking to consumers, the consumers may feel weak and intimidated. If you are one of the consumers who is facing this kind of debt collector, there is a popular 11-word phrase that is believed to be able to stop debt collectors. What is that?
11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors
For those who are wondering what 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors, it is as follows:
“Please cease and desist all calls and contact me immediately.”
This phrase can be used to stop debt collectors from calling you. As a consumer, you have the right to ask them to stop calling you, even if it is true that you owe them debt.
Origin of 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors
The 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors that says “Please cease and desist all calls and contact me immediately” started to become popular due to John Ulzheimer who made an appearance on the Larry King Show in 2017 to promote the book called Credit Secrets. On the show, he shared this phrase as tips for viewers being contacted by debt collectors. On the same occasion, he also said that the phrase is able to be found in the book. In fact, it is nowhere to be found in the book, meaning he was lying. He said that as an effort to make people interested in purchasing his book. Instead of this phrase, the phrase to get debt collectors stop calling found in the book is “From now on, I demand that you only contact me in writing and stop calling me.” This one has more than 11 words.
After the phrase “Please cease and desist all calls and contact me immediately” was mentioned by John Ulzheimer on the TV, a lot of blog writers started to include this phrase in their writing about debt collectors and quote it without validating whether or not it is actually working.
Effectiveness of 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors
If you are curious if the 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors that goes “Please cease and desist all calls and contact me immediately” actually works, the answer is yes for some and no for some others. While you are free to try to say this when you are being called by a debt collector, you should be aware that it is not a must. In fact, it is known to be merely a myth by many who think there is nothing special about that phrase.
Tips to Stop Debt Collector Calls
While the 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors mentioned above may actually work for some, it may not for some others. If you are being pursued for a debt and this phrase does not work on you, you can try the following tips:
1. Request a debt validation letter
It is a must for the debt collector to show you a debt validation letter when they contact you informing that you owe them debt. It is important that you can be sure that the debt is indeed yours. In the letter, there should be some information such as the name of the original creditor, the amount you owe, and ways to dispute the debt. If the debt creditor does not present it to you, ask them to send you one.
2. Check the statute of limitations on your debt
Do not forget to check the statute limitation of your debt. For anyone who is not familiar with statute of limitation, it refers to a period of time when debt collectors can collect the money from you or can file a lawsuit against you. If the period has passed, it means there is no need for you to pay off your debt.
3. Inform them that the debt is not legitimate
For those who think that the debt is not yours, do not stay still when a debt collector contacts you. Tell them right away that you do not owe that debt. If you are really sure and are able to provide strong evidence, they will stop contacting you because they do not have a valid reason to keep doing it. If you think it is not your debt but you fail to show them evidence, it is hard to make them stop calling you and you may have to attend the court if they have filed the case.
4. Confirm that the debt is valid by reviewing your credit reports
If you assume that the debt is strange, check out your credit reports or history. Feel free to visit the likes of annualcreditreport.com to check it. If you are sure that there is something wrong or there is a mistake, do not hesitate to contact the credit bureaus.
5. Reach out to your original creditor
You are advised to contact your original creditor to offer a settlement and make the debt collector stop calling you. However, it will result in nothing if your creditor has sold the debt to a debt collection agency.
6. Pay the debt off
If you admit that the debt that the debt collector says to be yours is yours, the best thing that you can do is to pay the debt off. This 100% will stop them from calling you. If you have money and the money is enough for you to pay off your debt, do not wait when the debt collector is calling you and just say that you will pay it off now.
7. Negotiate with them
In case you are unable to pay your debt off, do not lie. Just be honest to the debt collector that you have no money to pay off your debt. As you do not have money at the moment, you can also try to make a settlement. For example, you want to pay for a few times and not all at once. If they agree with your idea and you fulfill your promise, they will stop contacting you.
8. Write a cease and desist letter
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or FDCPA, it is a must for debt collectors to stop contacting you if you ask them to do it in the form of writing. That’s why it is important for you to send a cease and desist letter. When writing one, make sure to include all relevant contact information, SSN, and current address. If you have no idea how to write one, here is the example that you can use as a reference:
| [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date][Debt Collector’s Name] [Debt Collector’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Re: Cease and Desist Request Dear [Debt Collector’s Name], I am writing to formally request that you cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately regarding the account referenced above. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I am entitled to request this action, and I expect your compliance with the law. Please confirm receipt of this letter and your compliance in writing. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] |
9. Sue them
It is possible for you to make the debt collector stop contacting you by suing them. However, you can only do it if they have violated the FDCPA or other laws. If you want to sue them, make sure to hire a good attorney that specializes in this kind of thing so that you can get a good result.
10. File for bankruptcy
It is guaranteed that the debt collector will stop contacting you immediately if you file for bankruptcy. While it seems like an effective way to make them stop, filing bankruptcy is not really recommended because it can affect your credit score and can take a long time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the 11-word phrase to stop debt collectors that is widely known in public is “Please cease and desist all calls and contact me immediately.” This one was created by John Ulzheimer when trying to attract people to purchase his book. Whether or not this phrase is effective, it depends on the individuals and some other factors.
