Debt

Cease and Desist Letter (Debt) A written notice that tells a debt collector to stop contacting you under the FDCPA

Jordan Park By Jordan Park, Senior Debt Relief Editor · Updated 2026-06-09
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A cease and desist letter is a written notice telling a third-party debt collector to stop contacting you, a right granted under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Once the collector receives it, they must stop most communication about the debt. However, this letter does not erase the debt you owe, and it does not stop a collector from pursuing other legal remedies. The collector may still sue you to recover the balance, even after contact stops. It's best to send the letter by certified mail so you have proof the collector received it. Because stopping contact can sometimes push a collector toward litigation, weigh your options carefully before sending one, and keep copies of everything for your records.
Also Known As
Stop Contact Letter FDCPA Cease and Desist Debt Collector Stop Letter Cease Communication Notice
Used in Context
  1. After repeated calls at work, Maria mailed a cease and desist letter by certified mail to make the third-party collector stop contacting her.
  2. A counselor explained that the cease and desist letter would halt the calls but warned that the collector could still file a lawsuit over the unpaid balance.
  3. A Dreamy Leads compliance guide reminds agents that consumers can invoke their FDCPA right to send a cease and desist letter at any time.
Related Terms
Debt FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) Federal law that limits how third-party debt collectors can contact and treat you Debt Debt Validation Your right to make a debt collector prove a debt is actually yours and accurate Debt Civil Judgment (Debt) A court ruling confirming you owe a creditor, which can unlock collection tools Debt FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) The federal law that controls how credit bureaus collect, report, and correct your credit data
Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cease and desist letter cancel my debt?

No. A cease and desist letter only stops most contact from the third-party collector under the FDCPA. You still legally owe the debt, and the collector can pursue other remedies, including filing a lawsuit to recover what you owe.

Can a collector still sue me after I send one?

Yes. Sending a cease and desist letter stops most communication, but it does not block legal action. The collector may still sue you for the balance. In some cases, stopping contact can actually prompt a collector to move toward litigation.

How should I send a cease and desist letter?

Send it by certified mail so you have proof the collector received it. Keep a copy of the letter and the mailing receipt for your records. This documentation can help if you later need to show the collector ignored your request.

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