Once a debt collector receives written notice from a consumer that the consumer refuses to pay the debt or wants the collector to stop further collection efforts, the debt collector must cease communications with the consumer except:
To advise the consumer that they are terminating their debt collecting efforts;
To notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which they ordinarily invoke; and
To notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.
A Pennsylvania Letter Informing to Debt Collector to Cease Communications with Debtor is a written communication sent by a debtor to a debt collector, typically by certified mail, requesting them to stop contacting them by phone or mail regarding a debt. This letter serves as a formal notification to exercise the rights granted to debtors under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA). The purpose of this letter is to inform the debt collector that the debtor wishes to cease all further communication regarding the outstanding debt, except for certain permissible actions such as providing legal notices or validation of the debt. By sending this letter, the debtor asserts their right to privacy and the need to avoid harassment or unnecessary disturbances resulting from incessant and unwanted debt collection efforts. The letter should clearly and explicitly state the debtor's intention to stop all communication. It should include the following key elements: 1. Identification: The letter should clearly identify the debtor, including their full name, address, and telephone number. It should also include any relevant account or reference numbers to ensure accurate identification. 2. Debt Collector Information: The letter should include the debt collector's name, address, and any contact numbers mentioned in their communications with the debtor. This information allows the debtor to precisely identify the debt collector they are notifying. 3. Cease Communication Request: The main body of the letter should explicitly state that the debtor is requesting the debt collector to cease all communication attempts regarding the debt. The language used should convey a firm and resolute desire to be left alone regarding the matter. 4. Permissible Actions: Although the debtor seeks to stop all communication, it is important to acknowledge that certain activities are still permitted under the law. The letter should make it clear that the debtor expects compliance with any legal obligations, such as sending notices of legal action or providing debt validation as required by the FD CPA. 5. Method of Contact: The debtor should specify the preferred method of contact for any permissible actions. This may include providing a mailing address for sending written notices or specifying a lawyer's contact information if a legal representative will handle all future communication. 6. Documentation: It is advisable to keep a copy of the letter, along with any certified mail receipts or other proofs of delivery, as evidence of the debtor's request to cease communication. This documentation may be needed to support any potential claims against the debt collector in case of non-compliance. Different variations of this type of letter may include a Cease and Desist Letter, a Notice of Cease Communications, or a Stop Contact Letter. However, the general purpose of all these letters remains the same — to assert the debtor's rights to cease unwanted communication from debt collectors, while still complying with any legal obligations or necessary notifications related to the debt.
