Yes, collection agencies can text you, but only under specific legal rules
Debt collection agencies can send you text messages, but federal law limits when, how often, and what they can say. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets these boundaries. If a collector texts you without following these rules — texting before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone, texting after you've asked them to stop, or texting your workplace — you have the right to file a complaint and potentially recover money for the violation.
The key difference between calls and texts is that texts leave a written record. That record is actually in your favor: you can screenshot the message, save it, and use it as evidence if the collector breaks the rules. Many people don't realize they have legal protections around text messages, so understanding what collectors can and cannot do helps you respond correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Collection agencies can text you about a debt, but only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone.
- If you text back asking them to stop contacting you, they must stop texting when ready — though they may still call or mail you.
- Collectors cannot text you at work if they know your employer prohibits personal calls or texts.
- You can request that all contact happen by mail only, and the collector must honor that request in writing.
- Saving screenshots of text messages gives you proof if a collector violates the law, which you can report to your state attorney general or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
When collectors can and cannot text you
The FDCPA says collectors cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone. This applies to texts the same way it applies to calls. If you live in Pacific time and a collector texts you at 6 a.m. Pacific, that is a violation — even if it is 9 a.m. on the East Coast. The time zone that matters is yours.
Collectors also cannot text you if you have told them to stop. Once you send a text or email saying "do not contact me," they must stop texting within a reasonable time. They may still call or send mail, but texts must end. Some collectors will try to send one more message saying they received your request — that is usually allowed, but any text after that is a violation.
If your employer has a policy against personal texts during work hours, collectors cannot text you at work if they know about that policy. You do not have to tell them; if they know you work somewhere that prohibits personal messages, texting you there breaks the law.
How to tell a collector to stop texting
The clearest way to stop texts is to reply to the message itself. Text back something straightforward like "Stop contacting me" or "Do not text me." Keep it brief. The collector must stop texting you after that, though they may try to call or send mail instead.
You can also send a written request by mail or email. If you email, send it to the address or email they provided in their texts. If you mail it, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof they received it. Write: "I am requesting that you cease all text message contact with me regarding this debt. You may contact me by mail only." Keep a copy for your records.
Do not ignore the texts hoping they will go away. Collectors often interpret silence as permission to keep trying. A clear written request is the only thing that legally stops them.
What to do if a collector texts you illegally
Save every text message. Take a screenshot that shows the date, time, and phone number. If the collector texts you outside the 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. window, texts after you asked them to stop, or texts your workplace knowing it is prohibited, that is a violation you can report.
File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also report the violation to your state attorney general's office — search "[your state] attorney general complaint" to find the right form. Include the screenshots, the dates and times of the texts, and a description of what happened.
Some people hire a lawyer to sue the collector for FDCPA violations. If you win, the collector may have to pay you money for the violation, plus your lawyer's fees. Many lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take the case for free and get paid only if you win. You can search for FDCPA lawyers in your area or contact your state bar association for a referral.
Texts from collectors versus calls and mail
Collectors can also reach you by phone and mail, and those have different rules. Calls follow the same 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. rule, but you can stop calls by asking to speak to a supervisor and requesting that all contact be by mail. Mail has no time restrictions — collectors can send letters any day of the week.
Texts are actually easier to document than calls because you have a written record automatically. With a call, you have to write down the time, what was said, and who called. With a text, the phone stores the evidence for you. This makes texts easier to use as proof if you need to file a complaint or sue.
If you want to stop all contact — texts, calls, and mail — you can send a written cease-contact letter. Once the collector receives it, they can only contact you to say they are stopping or to tell you they are taking legal action. They cannot text, call, or mail you otherwise.
How collectors get your phone number
Collectors get your number from the creditor you owe money to. When you open a credit card, take out a loan, or sign up for a service, you provide your phone number. If you fall behind on payments, that creditor sells or assigns the debt to a collection agency, and your phone number comes with it.
Collectors can also buy lists of phone numbers from data brokers. This is why you might get texts from collectors about debts you do not recognize — they are working from outdated or incorrect information. If a collector texts you about a debt that is not yours, you have the right to dispute it. Reply asking them to verify the debt, and they must send you written proof that you owe it.
Protecting yourself from scam texts claiming to be collectors
Not every text claiming to be from a collection agency is real. Scammers send fake collection texts to trick people into paying money or giving personal information. A real collector will have a business name, a phone number you can call back, and the name of the creditor they are collecting for. They will not ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
If you get a text you think might be fake, do not click any links or call the number in the message. Instead, look up the collection agency's phone number yourself online and call that number to ask if they sent the text. You can also ask the collector to send you written verification of the debt by mail.
Real collectors follow the FDCPA rules. If a text is threatening, uses aggressive language, or asks you to pay in an unusual way, it is probably a scam. Report it to the CFPB and to your phone carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a collection agency text me on weekends?
Yes, as long as it is between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone. The FDCPA does not restrict which days collectors can contact you, only the hours. A text at 10 a.m. on Saturday is legal; a text at 7 a.m. on Saturday is not.
What if I reply to a collector's text?
Replying to a text does not waive your rights. You can text back to dispute the debt, ask for verification, or request that they stop texting. However, replying might be seen as agreeing to contact by text, so if you want to stop texts, be clear about it in your reply.
Can a collector text me if I have a lawyer?
Once a collector knows you have a lawyer, they should contact your lawyer instead of you. If you have hired someone to handle the debt, send the collector a letter saying so and include your lawyer's contact information. After that, texts to you are a violation.
Do I have to respond to a collection text?
No. You do not have to reply to any collector contact. However, ignoring texts does not make the debt go away. If you owe the debt, the collector may sue you. If you do not owe it or want to dispute it, responding with a written request for verification is your best protection.
Can I block a collector's number?
Yes, you can block the number on your phone. However, blocking does not stop them from trying other numbers or methods. If you want them to legally stop contacting you, send a written cease-contact request. Blocking is just a practical step to avoid seeing the messages.