I Think Medical Debt Collectors Are Harassing Me

Getting sick can be stressful, but dealing with confusing insurance claims, hospital bills, and unexpected charges can overwhelm anyone. It gets worse when medical debt collectors start calling nonstop, sending intimidating letters, or even contacting your family or employer; it can feel like you’re being harassed. And in some cases, you are.

If you think medical debt collectors are crossing the line, it’s important to understand your rights and what you can do to stop the harassment.

What Medical Debt Collectors Can (and Can’t) Do

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors must follow specific rules when trying to collect money. They can contact you about a legitimate medical debt, but can’t threaten, intimidate, or mislead you.

Here are a few things medical debt collectors are NOT allowed to do:

• Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Call you repeatedly with the intent to annoy or harass
• Contact your employer (unless it’s to verify employment)
• Talk to your family or friends about your debt
• Threaten arrest, lawsuits, or wage garnishment without following legal procedures

If they’re doing any of these things, they may be violating federal law.

Medical Debt Collectors – Signs of Harassment

If you’re getting daily calls, rude messages, or threats over the phone, that’s a major red flag. Harassment can also include:

• Robocalls or voicemails that don’t identify the caller
• Letters that use aggressive language or try to scare you into paying
• Demands for payment without explaining what the bill is for

Even if the debt is legitimate, you still have the right to be treated respectfully. You are not powerless.

What You Can Do

First, ask the collector for a written explanation of the debt. They are legally required to provide this, called a validation notice. Once you have it, review it carefully to make sure you actually owe what they claim.

Start keeping track of every interaction. Save voicemails, texts, emails, and letters. If you talk to someone on the phone, jot down the date, time, and what was said. These records can be really helpful later, especially if the situation escalates.

You can send a cease-and-desist letter if the calls or messages won’t stop. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just tell them to stop contacting you. Once they get that letter, they can only reach out to confirm they’ll stop or to notify you of legal action.

And if you’re still being harassed, talk to a medical debt attorney. They can help you assert your rights; in some cases, you may even be entitled to compensation for the harassment.

You Have Rights, And You’re Not Alone

Dealing with medical debt is tough, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with abuse from collectors. Knowing your rights is the first step to regaining control. If medical debt collectors are harassing you, don’t wait. Contact our medical debt defense team today. An experienced medical debt lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight against unlawful collection practices.