How To Stop Loan Companies Calling
Loan companies frequently make calls to offer loans or collect debts, which can become quite a nuisance. Stopping these calls requires understanding your rights, employing certain strategies, and taking legal actions if necessary. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to stop loan companies from calling you.
Understanding Your Rights
Before taking action, it’s important to understand your rights regarding telemarketing and debt collection calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulate these practices in the United States.
Key Points:
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Prohibits companies from making unsolicited calls using automated systems.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices.
Steps to Stop Loan Companies from Calling
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is managed by the FTC. Once registered, telemarketers are required to stop calling you within 31 days.
How to Register:
- Visit donotcall.gov
- Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register
2. Request Removal from Call Lists
When a loan company calls, you can ask them to put you on their internal do-not-call list. This request must be honored.
What to Say:
- "Please add my number to your do-not-call list."
3. Send a Written Cease and Desist Letter
For debt collection calls, sending a written cease and desist letter can legally compel the company to stop contacting you.
Steps:
- Write a formal letter requesting the cessation of all communication.
- Send the letter via certified mail with a return receipt.
4. Block the Numbers
Modern smartphones and landlines have features that allow you to block specific numbers.
On Smartphones:
- Go to the call log
- Select the number
- Choose the option to block the number
For Landlines:
- Contact your service provider for options to block numbers.
5. Use Call-Blocking Apps
There are several apps designed to block unwanted calls, such as Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller.
6. Report the Calls
If the calls persist, report them to the FTC or the CFPB.
How to Report:
- Visit the FTC Complaint Assistant
- File a complaint with the CFPB
Legal Actions
If all else fails, you can take legal action against the loan company. The TCPA and FDCPA allow for statutory damages if the company violates these laws.
Steps:
- Consult with a consumer rights attorney
- Gather evidence of the calls and your requests for them to stop
- File a lawsuit in small claims court
Summary
Stopping loan companies from calling requires a combination of understanding your rights, taking proactive steps, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action. By registering with the Do Not Call Registry, requesting removal from call lists, sending cease and desist letters, and using call-blocking technologies, you can significantly reduce or eliminate these unwanted calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do if a loan company continues to call after I've asked them to stop?
A: If the calls persist after you’ve requested to be removed from their list, send a formal cease and desist letter. If they still continue, report them to the FTC and consider consulting with a lawyer.
Q: Can I sue a loan company for harassment?
A: Yes, under the TCPA and FDCPA, you can sue for harassment and may be entitled to statutory damages.
Q: How effective are call-blocking apps?
A: Call-blocking apps can be very effective in reducing the number of unwanted calls, but they may not block every call. It's often best to use these apps in combination with other strategies.
Q: Is registering with the National Do Not Call Registry enough?
A: While registering can reduce the number of telemarketing calls, it does not stop all calls, especially those from companies you have done business with. Additional steps may be necessary.
By following these guidelines, you can take control and significantly reduce the frequency of unwanted calls from loan companies.
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