Debt collectors can and do text you, but only under specific legal rules
Yes, debt collectors text. They use text messages, phone calls, emails, and letters to contact people about unpaid debts. The catch is that federal law and many state laws set strict limits on how, when, and how often they can contact you. A text from a debt collector is legal — but only if it follows those rules. If it doesn't, you have the right to stop it and potentially sue.
The main federal law controlling debt collector contact is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). It applies to third-party debt collectors — companies hired to collect debts on behalf of creditors. It does not explore to the original creditor (your bank, credit card company, or lender) collecting their own debt, though many states have separate rules for them too.
Key Takeaways
- Debt collectors can text you, but only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone, and not on Sundays or holidays in most states.
- They cannot text you repeatedly or excessively — the FDCPA bans harassment, which includes texts sent to annoy or abuse you.
- If you send a written request to stop contact, they must stop texting within five business days, with limited exceptions.
- Texts that threaten, use profanity, or impersonate a government agency are illegal under federal law.
- You can report illegal debt collector texts to your state attorney general, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the Federal Trade Commission.
When debt collectors can and cannot text you
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector can text you only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone. They cannot text you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they cannot text you on Sundays or legal holidays. Some states add their own restrictions — for example, California and New York have additional rules about the frequency and content of texts.
A debt collector also cannot text you if they know you are represented by a lawyer. Once you send them a written letter saying you have hired an attorney, they must stop contacting you directly and speak only to your lawyer instead. This applies to texts as well as calls and letters.
If you are in debt and a debt collector has your phone number, texting is often cheaper for them than calling, so you may receive texts before or instead of calls. This is legal as long as the texts follow the time, frequency, and content rules.
What makes a debt collector text illegal
A text is illegal if it violates the FDCPA's rules on harassment, false statements, or unfair practices. Harassment includes texts sent repeatedly or excessively with the intent to annoy, abuse, or oppress you. There is no fixed number that counts as "excessive" — it depends on the circumstances — but courts have found that multiple texts in a single day or dozens in a week can cross the line.
Texts that contain threats, profanity, or false claims are also illegal. A debt collector cannot text you saying they will have you arrested, seize your property, or garnish your wages unless they actually have the legal right to do so. They cannot impersonate a police officer, government agency, or attorney. They cannot claim you owe more than you do or that the debt is from a different source than it actually is.
A text that identifies you by name to a third party (like texting your employer or family member about your debt) is also a violation. Debt collectors are supposed to keep your debt private unless you give permission or they are texting your lawyer or a credit reporting agency.
How to stop debt collector texts
The simplest way to stop debt collector texts is to send a written request. Write a letter or email to the debt collector saying you do not consent to contact by text message and ask them to stop. Under the FDCPA, they must stop texting you within five business days of receiving your written request. Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you sent it.
You can also tell them verbally to stop, but a written request is stronger evidence if you later need to prove they violated the law. Some debt collectors will ask for your request in writing anyway, so starting with a letter is often faster.
If a debt collector continues to text you after you have asked them to stop, that is a violation. Document each text — save screenshots with the date, time, and phone number — and report it to your state attorney general's office, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also consult a lawyer about suing the debt collector for damages.
The difference between debt collectors and original creditors
The FDCPA applies to third-party debt collectors — companies hired to collect debts after you have stopped paying. It does not explore to the original creditor, such as your credit card company or bank, collecting their own debt. However, many states have their own laws that restrict how original creditors can contact you by text.
Original creditors are also bound by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which restricts text messages and calls to cell phones. Under the TCPA, a creditor cannot send you marketing texts to a cell phone without your written permission, though debt collection texts may be treated differently depending on your state.
If you are unsure whether the person texting you is a debt collector or the original creditor, ask them directly in your reply. They are required to identify themselves and the debt they are collecting. If they refuse or give vague answers, that is a red flag.
What to do if you receive a suspicious debt collector text
Before you respond to a debt collector text, verify that it is real. Scammers often impersonate debt collectors to trick people into paying fake debts or giving up personal information. Ask the sender for their name, the name of the collection agency, the original creditor, and the amount owed. A legitimate debt collector will provide this information.
You can also call the original creditor directly using the phone number on your statement or bill — not a number the text provides — and ask whether they have hired a collector. If the debt is real and the collector is legitimate, you can then decide whether to negotiate, pay, or dispute the debt.
If the text looks fake — for example, it asks you to click a link, verify your Social Security number, or pay when ready — do not respond. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your cell phone carrier. Scam texts are a common way criminals steal money and identity information.
Your rights if a debt collector breaks the rules
If a debt collector sends you illegal texts, you have the right to sue them in small claims court or with a lawyer. Under the FDCPA, you can recover actual damages (money you lost because of the violation), statutory damages up to $1,000 per violation, and attorney fees. You do not have to prove the debt collector intended to break the law — only that they did.
You also have the right to file a complaint with the CFPB, the FTC, or your state attorney general. These agencies investigate complaints and can take action against debt collectors who repeatedly violate the law. Filing a complaint does not give you money directly, but it creates a record that can help other people and may lead to enforcement action.
Keep all evidence: screenshots of texts, the date and time you sent your stop-contact request, and any responses. This documentation is crucial if you decide to report the collector or pursue legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a debt collector text me on weekends?
No. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot contact you on Sundays or legal holidays. They also cannot text you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone. If they do, that is a violation.
What if I do not recognize the debt the text mentions?
Ask the debt collector to verify the debt in writing. Under the FDCPA, if you send a written dispute within 30 days of their first contact, they must stop collection efforts until they provide proof that the debt is real. Do not pay a debt you do not recognize without verification.
Can I block a debt collector's number?
Yes, you can block the number on your phone. However, blocking does not stop them from trying other numbers or methods. Sending a written stop-contact request is more effective because it creates a legal obligation they must follow.
Is it illegal for a debt collector to text me about someone else's debt?
If you are not the person who owes the debt, tell the debt collector when ready. They are not allowed to collect from you, and continuing to contact you about someone else's debt may be harassment. Ask them to remove your number from their list.
What should I do if a debt collector text looks like a scam?
Do not click any links or provide personal information. Call the original creditor directly using a number from your statement to verify the debt is real. Report the suspicious text to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your cell phone carrier.