Sample Cease and Desist Letter Template for Debt Collectors

Getting nonstop calls or letters from a debt collector? You don’t have to put up with it. Federal law gives you the right to make them stop—and one of the simplest ways to do that is by sending a cease and desist letter.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how a cease and desist letter works, when it makes sense to send one, what to include, and what to expect after it’s sent. You’ll also get a free template you can customize and use right away.

What a Cease and Desist Letter Does & When to Use It

A cease and desist letter tells a debt collector to stop contacting you. It’s a formal request backed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which gives you the legal right to limit how and when debt collectors can reach out.

You might want to send one if you’re getting repeated phone calls, letters, or other unwanted communication about a debt. Once the letter is received, the debt collector must stop contacting you—except to let you know if they plan to take further action, like filing a lawsuit.

But before you send a letter, understand the trade-offs. It doesn’t make the debt go away, and it might increase the chances of the collector suing you, especially if the debt is large or still within the statute of limitations. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right move, consider talking to a lawyer or credit expert first.

What to Include in Your Cease and Desist Letter

Your cease and desist letter doesn’t need to be long or complicated, but it does need to be clear and firm. Here’s what to include:

• Your full name and mailing address – This tells the debt collector where to send any final communication.
• The debt collector’s name and address – Use the address listed on any recent letter or collection notice.
• Account number (if available) – Only include the number the collector gave you, not the original creditor’s account number.
• A direct request to stop contact – Make it clear that you’re asking them to cease all communication.
• A reference to the FDCPA – Mention your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
• Optional: Request for debt verification – If you haven’t already received this, you can ask for it in the same letter.
• Caution on wording – Never admit that you owe the debt. Always refer to it as the “alleged debt.” Admitting you owe it could restart the statute of limitations.

Keep your language simple and to the point. You’re not trying to explain or argue—just formally asking them to stop contacting you.

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Template

Here’s a sample template you can customize and send. Make sure you mail it via certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof they got it.

What Happens After You Send the Letter

Once the debt collector receives your cease and desist letter, they are legally required to stop contacting you. But there are a few things you should still expect:

• They must stop contacting you – The FDCPA prohibits further communication once you send a written cease and desist. However, there’s one exception.
• They may contact you one final time – They’re allowed to send a letter to let you know what action they plan to take, such as suing you or closing the file.
• They can still sue you – Just because the phone calls stop doesn’t mean the debt goes away. If the debt is valid and within the statute of limitations, they may decide to take legal action to collect it.
• They can report the debt to the credit bureaus – Debt collectors can continue reporting to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A cease and desist letter doesn’t stop them from doing that.

A cease and desist letter only limits how they can communicate with you. It doesn’t take away their legal options to collect the debt.

What if the debt collector keeps contacting you?

If the debt collector keeps calling or sending letters after receiving your cease and desist request, they may be violating federal law. Here’s what to do:

• Keep records of every contact – Write down the date, time, phone number, and what was said. Save voicemails, texts, and any written notices.
• File a complaint – You can report the debt collector to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state attorney general’s office.
• Consider contacting a consumer rights attorney – If the collector keeps pushing past the legal limits, an attorney can help you take further action.
• You may be entitled to damages – If the debt collector breaks the rules, they could be held responsible. Under the FDCPA, you may be able to recover money for harassment or other illegal behavior.

Debt collectors count on people not knowing their rights. When you document everything and act quickly, you give yourself the best shot at holding them accountable.

Pros & Cons of Sending a Cease and Desist Letter

Sending a cease and desist letter can give you breathing room—but it can also come with risks. Here’s what to consider before making your decision:

Pros:

• Stops collection calls and letters – You won’t be bombarded with calls, emails, or letters anymore.
• Forces all communication to go through formal channels – The collector can’t keep reaching out unless they plan to sue or close the account.
• Helps protect your mental peace – If the constant contact is affecting your daily life, this can give you immediate relief.

Cons:

• Doesn’t cancel the debt – You still owe the money unless it’s resolved another way.
• Could push the collector to sue – If they see no other way to collect, they may choose to take you to court.
• No room for negotiation once communication stops – If you were hoping to settle or work out a payment plan, that option is off the table once they’re legally barred from contacting you.

This letter is best used when you’ve already decided you won’t negotiate—or when the contact has become so aggressive that it’s not worth continuing the conversation.

Tips for Sending and Tracking Your Letter

A cease and desist letter only works if you can prove the debt collector received it. Follow these steps to protect yourself and build a paper trail:

• Send via certified mail with return receipt – This gives you proof that the letter was delivered and signed for.
• Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt – Store both in a safe place. You may need them later if the collector violates the law.
• Save all records and future communications – Keep voicemails, emails, and letters, even after sending the cease and desist. They can help support your case if needed.
• Don’t include more info than necessary – Never list the original creditor’s account number or additional financial details. Only include what the debt collector has already provided.
• Stay professional and factual—no emotional language – Avoid threats, insults, or personal commentary. The more direct and neutral your tone, the better.

Alternatives to a Cease and Desist Letter

A cease and desist letter can be helpful, but depending on your situation, it may not be the best first step. Here are some other options to consider:

• Request debt validation – If you’re unsure whether the debt is legitimate or accurate, ask the collector to prove it. This is your right under the FDCPA and can stop collection efforts until they provide documentation.
• Negotiate a payment plan or settlement – If the debt is valid and you’re in a position to pay, you might be able to settle for less than the full amount or set up a manageable plan.
• File a complaint with regulatory agencies – You can report illegal collection tactics to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state attorney general.
• Work with a credit repair company – If the debt is inaccurate, unverifiable, or already settled, a reputable credit repair service like Credit Saint may be able to help you get it removed from your credit report.
• Get legal or nonprofit credit counseling help – An attorney or nonprofit credit counselor can help you weigh your options and protect your rights, especially if the debt is large or you’re being threatened with legal action.

Bottom Line

You have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you, and a cease and desist letter is one way to do that. It can bring immediate relief from constant phone calls and letters, giving you space to think clearly about your next move.

Just keep in mind—it doesn’t erase the debt, and it could increase the chances of a lawsuit. Make sure you understand the risks before sending the letter, and don’t hesitate to get help from a credit expert or attorney if you’re not sure what to do next.