Stop Calls at Work: Communication Preference Letter

Fill it in, print it, mail it. Nothing you type is saved or sent.

Updated October 2026 Fact CheckedAdvertiser Disclosure

By ReliefGuardian Editorial TeamEdited by

Shannon James Russell— Senior Debt Relief Specialist · CFEI®

You don't have to cut off a collector completely to get some control back. Choose what you want, like no calls at work, calls only in the evening, or no texts, and we'll write the letter. Nothing you type is saved or sent.

Limit how, when, and where a debt collector contacts you, without stopping contact altogether.

Collector's name

Collector's address

Account or reference number (the last 4 digits are enough)

Don't contact me at work Only call me during certain hours Don't text me Don't email me Don't contact me on social media

Don't call this number (optional)

Best way to reach me

Your full name

Your mailing address

January 1, 2026

[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]

RE: Account / Reference Number: [number from the collector's letter]

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing about how you contact me regarding the account referenced above. I am not asking you to stop all communication. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(a)) and Regulation F (12 CFR 1006.6 and 1006.14(h)), please follow these instructions:

• Do not contact me at my place of employment. My employer does not allow these communications.

This letter is not an acknowledgment that I owe this debt.

Sincerely,


_____________________________
[Your full name]
[Your mailing address]

You can also tell a collector these limits on the phone, but a letter gives you proof.

Keep a call log. If a collector ignores these limits, that can break federal rules. You can file a complaint with the CFPB.

General information, not legal advice. ReliefGuardian isn't a law firm.

What you can ask for

No contact at work. Collectors can't contact you at work if they know your employer doesn't allow it.
Call hours. Collectors can't call at times they know are inconvenient for you. Calls before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. are already presumed inconvenient.
No texts, email, or social media. You can tell a collector which ways it may not reach you.
A preferred way to reach you. Mail, a personal email, or a specific phone number.

Questions people ask

Why not just send a stop-contacting letter?

You might want to keep talking, like when you're working out a payment plan. This letter keeps the door open on your terms.

What if the collector ignores it?

Keep a call log with dates, times, and names. Ignoring your limits can break federal rules. You can file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general.

What to do next

Want all contact to stop? Use the stop contacting me letter.

Other letters: Debt validation letter · Credit dispute letter · Creditor dispute letter · Stop contacting me letter · Hardship letter · Debt settlement letter · Identity theft dispute letter · Goodwill letter

Tools: Statute of limitations checker · ReliefGuardian Debt Plan · Free checklists and worksheets

Sources

Federal rules are cited directly. State law varies, so state-specific timelines and exemptions should be confirmed with your state's statutes or a local attorney.